US airlines urge Biden administration to halt more flights to China
US President Joe Biden
The US aviation industry has requested the Biden administration to halt the approval of more flights to and from China, stating that China's unfair competition policies are hurting American airlines and workers.
According to a letter published on Thursday (April 11), addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, industry representatives from Airlines for America, along with unions like the Air Line Pilots Association, expressed concern about the impact on the approximately 315,000 US airline workers serving China.
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The letter highlights the risk of US workers and businesses losing out if the growth of China's aviation market isn't regulated properly. It emphasises the importance of fairness and equality in market access.
The letter was signed by industry lobby group Airlines for America — whose members include American Airlines (AAL), Delta (DAL) and United (UAL) — and other unions representing aviation workers, including the Air Line Pilots Association.
Earlier in February, Washingtonallowed Chinese airlines to increase their direct flights to the US to address pandemic-related disruptions.The letter argues that China's aviation market remains heavily restricted compared to pre-pandemic levels.
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Chinese carriers were given approval by US officials to make 50 weekly round trips to and from the United States, up from 35, from March 31, 2020.
This, coupled with challenges like avoiding Russian airspace due to geopolitical tensions, is adding extra costs and time for US carriers.
“These actions shows the need for the US government to establish a policy that protects US aviation workers, industry and air travelers,” it further said.
However, China's Foreign Ministry said on Friday (April 12) that increasing direct flights was the consensus reached when Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden met in San Francisco in November.
(With inputs from agencies)