Chinese carriers allowed to operate more flights to U.S.
The number of passenger flights allowed to be operated by Chinese airlines between China and the United States is set to increase from next month, in the latest step taken to boost direct flight connectivity between the two countries.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said on Monday that from March 31, Chinese carriers could operate a total of 50 round-trip passenger flights a week, up from the current 35.
The move "is a significant step forward in further normalization of the U.S.-China market in anticipation of the Summer 2024 traffic season", the department said in a statement.
The increase comes months after President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden in San Francisco in November last year.
During the meeting, the leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral dialogue and cooperation in various fields, including significantly increasing flights between the two countries.
China and the U.S. have been working to increase the number of passenger flights between the two countries, after it fell sharply following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation allowed Chinese carriers to operate 12 round-trip passenger flights per week. The number was then increased several times, till it reached 35 in November.
The latest increase to 50 will bring the market to nearly one-third of pre-pandemic levels, according to Reuters, which said more than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights were allowed by each side before the pandemic hit.
China has called for joint efforts with the U.S. to support and encourage people-to-people exchanges.
It has also taken a series of measures to attract foreign travelers, including those from the U.S., over the past months.
Last month, the Chinese embassy and consulates-general in the U.S. simplified the documents which applicants for a tourist visa are required to submit.
Related articles
Swayman stops 38 shots, Bruins roll past Panthers 5
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — The sellout crowd in Florida was absolutely raucous during the playing of the n2024-05-08Gay Games Hong Kong unfazed by potential censorship, organiser says
As Hong Kong prepares to make history as the first place in Asia to host the Gay Games, an internati2024-05-08- Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-05-08
Hong Kong down to earth designer Niko Leung crafts ceramics from construction waste
When Niko Leung first asked to take some soil from a Hong Kong construction site in 2021, she came a2024-05-08Ben Affleck did NOT get plastic surgery ahead of Tom Brady's Netflix roast
Ben Affleck may have been on hand to roast Tom Brady – but the actor found himself the target of an2024-05-08New video of 'human bear' waving emerges as expert weighs in with verdict
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-05-08
atest comment