U.S. grant supports China’s aviation safety

U.S. grant supports ChinaÆs aviation safety    The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has expanded its commitment to the U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program by awarding a $664,065 grant to the American Chamber of Commerce in China Fund that will help China enhance its aviation safety.
   The program will include executive management courses and air traffic management operations training for China's aviation officials.
   “USTDA’s support for the U.S. aviation sector is critical as the Chinese aviation market continues its rapid expansion, with plans for 97 new airports by 2020 and at least a thousand new aircraft by the end of 2010,” said Leocadia I. Zak, the agency's director, in a statement.
   The agreement was conferred during a signing ceremony on Friday at China's General Administration of Civil Aviation headquarters in Beijing.
   Zak also noted the program, first launched in 2004, 'has produced significant developmental and U.S. export results, which include over $700 million in U.S. exports to China last year alone and contributions toward a system of regulations and processes that will be able to support a larger aviation sector in China.”