The host of this year’s Routes Asia, Yunnan Airport Group has signed a package of co-operative agreements with five airlines and three airports to enhance aviation activities in the Chinese province and its main gateway, Kunming’s Changshui International Airport. The Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were inked in front of an audience of local media on the opening day of the network development forum.

Full details of the partnerships have not been disclosed but are thought to include strategies to develop and enhance air connectivity and enhance infrastructure and business efficiency. The deals were with low-cost, Hong Kong-based operator, HK Express; Russian carrier Orenair; full-service provider SriLankan Airlines and local operators Kunming Airlines and Lucky Air. Airport partnerships were also agreed with Pulkovo International Airport in St Petersburg, Russia and Canada's Prince George Airport Authority and Greater Toronto Airports Authority.