By Wang Qingyun (China Daily) 08:01, February 28, 2024 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 US 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 US-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 US 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 US 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 US 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 US to support and encourage people-to-people exchanges. It has also taken a series of measures to attract foreign travelers, including those from the US, over the past months. Last month, the Chinese embassy and consulates-general in the US simplified the documents which applicants for a tourist visa are required to submit. |
White House press secretary Karine JeanWhite House press secretary Karine JeanDeaths deemed suspicious after bodies were found in burned homeCzech President Petr Pavel injured lightly while driving his motorcycle, his office saysPictured: 'Russian spy', 64, accused of working with Moscow's intelligence serviceUS will announce $275 million more in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine, officials sayPictured: 'Russian spy', 64, accused of working with Moscow's intelligence serviceThose who helped file voting fraud allegations are protected from suit, North Carolina justices sayAvs captain Gabriel Landeskog looking to return next season after missing 2 years with knee injuryVillegas makes a leaping catch at the wall for the final out as Miami secures a spot in ACC semis