Expanding US Direct Flights and Global C919 Use

China’s civil aviation sector is set to chart new territories in 2024, focusing on significantly increasing direct flights between China and the United States. This move, aimed at bolstering exchanges between the world’s two largest economies, has seen the number of direct flights already recovering to 63 round trips per week. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) plans to further enhance these numbers, targeting 6,000 international flights per week by the year-end, approximately 80% of the pre-COVID figures.

C919: China’s Aeronautical Pride Goes Global
In parallel, China is gearing up to promote its domestically manufactured C919 aircraft globally. The CAAC is spearheading efforts to gain approval from international organizations, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This initiative will allow the C919, which made its first commercial flight in May 2023, to operate in more countries, showcasing China’s aeronautical advancements.

The CAAC’s annual meeting outlined these objectives, reflecting on the performance in 2023 and setting the course for 2024. The promotion of direct US flights and the global operation of the C919 are key elements of China’s strategy to enhance its civil aviation sector. This move aligns with the visions discussed between Chinese and US officials, emphasizing the importance of strengthening civil aviation cooperation for a prosperous global aviation industry.

China’s aviation industry is rapidly bouncing back from the impacts of the pandemic, with domestic passenger traffic surpassing 2019 levels by 1.5% in 2023. The continued growth in domestic passenger transport is expected, with projections of reaching 630 million people by the end of 2024, exceeding 2019 figures by 7.7 percentage points.

China’s push for more direct flights to the US and the global expansion of the C919 is a testament to its commitment to enhancing international connectivity and showcasing its domestic aviation capabilities. These efforts mark significant milestones in China’s aviation history, positioning it as a key player in the global aviation market.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Global Times, China Daily, China Travel News, CGTN