WASHINGTON- Starting from March 31, Chinese passenger airlines will have the opportunity to increase their weekly round-trip flights to the U.S. to 50, marking a notable progression from the current limit of 35, as announced by the U.S. Transportation Department on Monday.
This decision signals a substantial move towards re-establishing the U.S.-China market, approaching nearly one-third of its pre-pandemic capacity.
Chinese Airlines US Flights
The USDOT emphasized that this approval signifies a significant advancement in the ongoing efforts to normalize air travel between the two countries, anticipating increased activity for the upcoming Summer 2024 traffic season.
Before imposing restrictions in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides permitted more than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights. However, until August 2023, Chinese and U.S. carriers were restricted to only 12 weekly flights between the two countries.
The allowed number increased to 18 weekly round-trips on September 1 and further expanded to 24 per week starting October 29. In November, the USDOT approved 35 weekly flights for Chinese carriers.
Airlines for America, representing major carriers like American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), and United Airlines (UA), expressed support for the U.S. government’s cautious and reciprocal approach to gradually reopening the market with China. They emphasized the importance of maintaining this approach.
The Chinese embassy in Washington expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in increasing direct passenger flights between China and the U.S. They also highlighted their efforts to facilitate cross-border travel and promote people-to-people exchange between the two countries.
US-China Tension Easing Up?
The USDOT stated that it is actively involved in constructive discussions with China’s aviation regulator to implement a roadmap.
The goal is to facilitate a gradual, wider reopening of the U.S.-China air services market and ensure a phased and predictable return to the capacity entitlements outlined in the U.S.-China agreement.
During a visit to China last year, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo expressed her desire to enhance travel and tourism between the two countries.
Raimondo highlighted the potential economic impact, stating that if China reached U.S. tourism levels in 2019, it could contribute $30 billion to the U.S. economy and create 50,000 jobs there.
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