The Secretary for Transportation and Public Works, Ao Man Long, today (21 August) attended the inauguration of the new air route between Macao and Singapore operated by Air Macao.

Mr. Ao took the first flight to Singapore with official representatives from Macao. Upon his arrival, he signed the amended aviation agreement with the Minister of Transportation of Singapore, Yeo Cheow Tong.

Mr. Ao emphasized that the Government was devoted to the expansion and perfection of air traffic networks. He said that the Government had provided incentives to attract foreign airline flights to Macao and at the same time had encouraged Air Macao to enhance competitiveness in order to target different markets.

He praised Singapore's importance in aviation in East Asia, which was the main reason why Macao wanted to establish aviation ties with Singapore. Mr. Ao was also optimistic that the agreement would increase cargo flights between the two territories.

The amended aviation agreement eased restrictions on the airline operating routes between the two places. Macao and Singapore signed the aviation agreement in 1995.