QANTAS emphasized its interest in creating a base in mainland China as part of a launch pad for flights to Europe, regardless of its rough history in the country.

Alan Joyce, the airline’s chief executive, said yesterday that China offered a “huge opportunity for us” in both passenger and freight traffic.

He highlighted though, that while the airline needs air rights from Chinese authorities to fly to Europe, it also still needs approval from European regulators.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald