DALLAS — Beijing hosted the UAE-China Air Connectivity Forum, marking four decades of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the People's Republic of China. 

The gathering, held under the auspices of the General Civil Aviation Authority and in collaboration with China's Civil Aviation Authority, brought together over 100 professionals from various aviation sectors.

The forum, organized by the UAE Embassy in Beijing, saw notable attendees, including the UAE Ambassador to China, Hussain Al Hammadi, the Director General of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, and Han Jun, the Vice President of China's Civil Aviation Authority.

Bolstering Cooperation, Air Connectivity

Discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, with representatives from airports and national carriers exploring the mutual benefits of improved air connectivity. Participants emphasized how stronger air links could facilitate trade, cultural exchange, and social interactions, potentially boosting both countries' economies.

A key focus of the forum was strategizing ways to increase connectivity through closer coordination between aviation authorities, carriers, and airports. This collaborative approach aims to drive growth in both nations' civil aviation sectors.

Ambassador Al Hammadi highlighted the significance of aviation cooperation, particularly in air connectivity, as a cornerstone for broader bilateral relations. He emphasized that this aligns with the leaders' shared vision of a robust strategic partnership and supports China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi described the forum as a pioneering effort to assess air connectivity between the UAE and China. He underscored the critical role of air links in fostering economic growth and facilitating passenger movement.

Looking ahead, Al Suwaidi announced plans to hold this conference biennially, alternating between the two countries, to maintain ongoing coordination and cooperation, especially among national carriers and airports.

The UAE-China Connection

The UAE and China have been strengthening their commercial aviation links in several significant ways:

1. Increased Air Connectivity: The UAE and China recently signed a preliminary agreement to boost air connectivity between the two countries. This agreement aims to increase the number of flights and routes between UAE and Chinese airports.

2. Joint Venture Agreement: In June 2024, Etihad Airways (EY) signed a joint venture agreement with China Eastern Airlines (MU). This is the first such commercial alliance between a Middle Eastern and Chinese airline, aimed at growing routes between the two countries and creating a stronger combined network.

3. Expanded Travel Routes: The EY-MU joint venture will allow for the joint development and growth of routes between the UAE and major Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, and Kunming.

4. Increased Flight Capacity: Both China and the UAE are seeking to increase bilateral air traffic rights. Currently, the links are exhausted at 56 flights per country per week, and both sides are looking to expand this capacity.

5. Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Programs: EY and MU plan to introduce full reciprocity to their existing frequent flyer programs in the final quarter of 2024, allowing passengers to earn points and redeem rewards when flying with either airline.

6. Economic Impact: These aviation links are expected to deepen bilateral economic ties between the UAE and China. China is already the UAE's leading trade partner, with non-oil bilateral trade worth US$72 billion in 2022.

7. Cooperation in Civil Aviation: Via an MoU, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of China have agreed to boost cooperation in the broader civil aviation sector, including areas such as aviation security, safety, air transport, and investments in the aviation sector.