China and Russia to strengthen aviation cooperation

China and Russia have pledged to strengthen their cooperation in civil aviation, including in aircraft airworthiness certification.

The two sides signed relevant documents following a meeting on 21 July, says the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). These include increasing the number of routes and frequencies between the two countries.

They also had an in-depth discussion on certification issues involving Russia's aviation products in China. No further details were disclosed.

The CAAC adds that passenger traffic between the two countries climbed 15% in 2016 to 1.9 million and that China remains the largest tourist group into Russia for four consecutive years.

This summer, 26 operators will have 326 passenger and cargo services between 21 Chinese cities and 13 Russian cities, an increase of 40 services from a year ago.