U.S. and China sign aviation agreement

BEIJING, July 24 (UPI) -- The United States and China signed an air services agreement in China Saturday to increase the number of airlines that fly between the two countries.

The agreement, signed by visiting U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and Civil Aviation Administration of China Minister Yang Yuanyuan, will permit a nearly five-fold increase in U.S.-China air services over the next six years.

"This agreement opens new routes for travelers and new doors for American workers," Mineta said. "Expanding aviation opportunities between the United States and China means more U.S. airlines, businesses and travelers can take advantage of growing trade between our two rapidly expanding economies."

Mineta also announced Saturday a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency for the U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program. The program will allow the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. aviation companies operating in China to increase awareness of U.S. technology, project standards and services that will assist China in strengthening its aviation infrastructure, and improve its aviation safety.