US Airlines Urge Biden Administration to Halt Additional Flights to China Amid Competitive Concerns

Major U.S. airlines and aviation unions are calling on the Biden administration to refrain from approving further flights between the United States and China, citing “anti-competitive” practices imposed by China on American carriers. This request comes in response to ongoing restrictions that were initially placed during the pandemic’s onset, which continue to hamper U.S. airline operations and crew activities in China.

In a joint letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, industry representatives, including the CEO of Airlines for America and leaders from the Air Line Pilots Association, the Allied Pilots Association, and the Association of Flight Attendants, expressed their concerns. They emphasized the need for policies that safeguard U.S. aviation workers, the industry, and passengers from what they perceive as unfair competitive advantages held by Chinese airlines.

Despite the number of flights between the two countries increasing, the frequency is still significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. The U.S. recently allowed Chinese airlines to increase their weekly round trips from 35 to 50, effective March 31, following promises from China’s aviation authority to consider increasing flights for U.S. carriers. However, U.S. airlines argue that Chinese carriers benefit from shorter routes through Russian airspace—a route currently closed to U.S. flights due to geopolitical tensions—and from governmental protections due to their state-owned status.

These advantages, U.S. carriers argue, could lead to American airlines losing out to Chinese competitors unless the U.S. government ensures equal access to China’s aviation market. The appeal to the Biden administration highlights the ongoing challenges and strategic considerations in the highly competitive and geopolitically sensitive international aviation industry.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, AP