Hong Kong and the UK have reached agreement on a new set of air traffic rights after three days of negotiations here.

The rights provide for unlimited capacity on routes between the two places, a comprehensive code-share arrangement and additional fifth-freedom rights for both sides.

The new arrangement will be in effect after the UK completes the necessary procedures with the European Union.

Deputy Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Wilson Fung, who led the Hong Kong delegation in the negotiations, said he was pleased with the outcome. 

Air services between HK, UK liberalised

In pursuit of the Government's "progressive liberalisation" policies on air services, the two sides have agreed to remove all existing capacity restrictions on air services between the two places.

"The new set of traffic rights liberalises air services between Hong Kong and the UK. This will greatly enhance competition on this very important route and will benefit the travelling public and consumers," he said. 

The new package includes fifth-freedom rights for the UK airlines to operate beyond Hong Kong to Sydney and for Hong Kong airlines to operate beyond London to New York.

HK's role as international aviation hub strengthened

"The equitable exchange of fifths will enable airlines of the two sides to further expand their network, thus bringing more flights into and out of the Hong Kong International Airport," Mr Fung said.

This is clearly important for Hong Kong to maintain its role as an international aviation and logistics hub, he added.

He is also optimistic that the new package of rights will contribute significantly to the local aviation industry and the overall economy.

The Government will continue to pursue its progressive liberalisation policy and looks forward to meeting other open-minded aviation partners, he added.