Aviation Industry Urges Biden Administration to Restrict US-China Flight Operations
The aviation industry has recently made a request to the Biden administration, urging them to restrict flight operations between the United States and China. Multiple aviation groups have raised concerns about the unfair practices of Chinese carriers, which they argue are negatively impacting American airlines and workers. They have called for measures to be taken to protect the interests of American businesses and employees in the aviation sector.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the aviation industry, and the Chinese regime’s response has only exacerbated the challenges faced by American carriers. The Chinese government unilaterally suspended the bilateral air services agreement with the US, effectively closing off the market to American airlines. They also imposed strict limits on market access, leading to operational difficulties for airlines, compromised customer service, and mistreatment of airline crew members. These actions have highlighted the need for the US government to establish policies that safeguard the interests of American aviation workers, industry, and air travelers.
Before the pandemic, both Chinese and US carriers were allowed 150 weekly roundtrip passenger flights between the two countries. However, these numbers were significantly reduced due to travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19. The US Transportation Department gradually increased the number of flights allowed for Chinese carriers, with the latest approval allowing 35 flights per week. There are concerns that the Biden administration may further increase this number or even permit up to 100 weekly flights for Chinese carriers, which could put American airlines at a significant disadvantage.
One of the key issues highlighted in the letter from aviation groups is that Chinese airlines enjoy certain protections due to their relationship with the Chinese regime. This allows them to operate under different conditions compared to their American counterparts. Additionally, Chinese airlines continue to benefit from accessing Russian airspace while US carriers have stopped flying through it. Avoiding Russian airspace adds extra time and costs to flights, placing US carriers at a disadvantage. This competitive disadvantage is concerning for the approximately 315,000 individuals employed by US airlines that service China.
The letter, addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, emphasizes the urgency of the situation and calls for a pause in additional passenger flights between the US and China until there is equality of access in the marketplace. The letter is signed by prominent aviation industry associations, including Airlines for America, Air Line Pilots Association, Allied Pilots Association, and the Association of Flight Attendants.
In response to the concerns raised in the letter, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that increasing direct flights between China and the US was agreed upon by the two presidents in a meeting in San Francisco. Chinese officials argue that boosting flights will promote exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries.
Lawmakers in the US have also raised similar concerns. Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) sent a letter to Secretary Blinken and Secretary Buttigieg, urging caution when approving new flights between the US and China. They highlight the need for reciprocal parity in the number of routes operated by US and Chinese carriers and call for a prohibition on the use of Russian airspace by Chinese airlines to ensure passenger security.
Meanwhile, the US State Department continues to maintain a Level 3 travel advisory for mainland China, cautioning Americans about arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the risk of wrongful detentions. The advisory highlights the importance of considering potential security risks before traveling to China.
In conclusion, the aviation industry’s request to the Biden administration reflects the concerns of American airlines and workers regarding unfair practices by Chinese carriers. The industry groups emphasize the need for equal access in the aviation market to protect American interests. The response from Chinese officials suggests a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of increased flights for promoting mutual understanding. Lawmakers have also joined in raising these concerns and calling for caution in approving new flights. As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will address these issues and ensure a fair and competitive aviation market between the US and China.
