China, Australia sign air agreement
24 March 2004
China signed a new air services agreement with Australia which replaced the previous agreement between the two countries signed in 1984. The new air services deal allows unrestricted freight services between the two Asia-Pacific countries. It also provides for unrestricted passenger services between all Chinese airports and Australia's regional international gateways. An Australian transportation official said that the agreement will also allow Australian airlines to transport passengers beyond China for the first time.