China and France called for the return of air traffic to the pre-pandemic level

China and France are in favor of restoring air traffic between the two countries as soon as possible to the level that existed before the coronavirus pandemic.

This is stated in a joint statement of the two countries, distributed on Friday by the Elysee Palace following talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron.
"China and France support the restoration of air traffic as soon as possible to the level that existed before the pandemic, based on coordination between civil aviation authorities," the document says. It stresses that "airlines should have fair and equal opportunities to operate flights between the two countries."
Beijing and Paris also "support deepening exchanges, including simplifying the issuance of visas to representatives of the private sector and business circles," the communique says, writes TASS.
China and France "welcomed the conclusion of an agreement confirming the acquisition of 160 Airbus aircraft by Chinese companies." Beijing and Paris, as noted in the document, "will promptly study the needs of Chinese airlines, including cargo and long-haul aircraft, in connection with the restoration and development of the Chinese transport market and fleet."
"The parties welcome the strengthening of cooperation between the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Administration of the People's Republic of China and will continue to accelerate the certification process based on mutually recognized international safety standards," the statement says. "They also intend to continue the industrial cooperation that has begun, in particular, the project of a new Airbus assembly line in Tianjin (Northern China)," the report says.