The visit was part of the ongoing dialogue between the Icelandic Transport Authority and Air China in the run-up to the launch of the new service. Representatives of the airline first met with the Icelandic Transport Authority in June, when discussions focused on key aspects of the authorisation process for air carriers from outside the EEA, including procedures, legal requirements and the documentation required as part of the application process.

Air China’s scheduled service is based on the bilateral air services agreement between Iceland and China. Earlier this year, the Icelandic Transport Authority and the Civil Aviation Administration of China also signed a separate cooperation agreement in the field of airworthiness and certification. The agreement is separate from the air services agreement and covers, among other things, cooperation between the aviation authorities on airworthiness, aircraft design, modifications and repairs.

The new route strengthens Iceland’s air connections with Asia and opens up new opportunities for travel between Iceland and China.