New arrangements for air services between Hong Kong and France have been concluded after two days of negotiation in Paris.

Airlines may now enter into code-share arrangements with surface transportation providers (inter-modal code-sharing). Specifically, Cathay Pacific Airways can put its airline codes on French high-speed trains to 10 French cities.

The new arrangement also allows airlines of both sides to introduce code-share services to Papeete (Tahiti) and Noumea, two famous tourist destinations located in French Pacific territories. Capacity for freighter services has also been expanded for the market demand.

Deputy Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Wilson Fung said it is the first time inter-modal code-sharing is provided for under Hong Kong's air services arrangements.

He said inter-modal code-sharing will put a new dimension on our air services by providing online connection between scheduled air services and the massive train network to 10 major popular cities in France.

This will provide a major boost to the tourism industry between Hong Kong and France, he said, adding that the new service mode can enhance the network of HK International Airport by making use of train services. He hopes airlines will make good use of the new code-share routes soon.