U.S. Airlines and Unions Urge Biden Administration to Halt China Flights Over 'Anti-Competitive' Policies

Following what they describe as "anti-competitive" policies imposed by China on U.S. carriers, large U.S. airlines and several unions have jointly requested the Biden administration to cease the approval of additional flights between the United States and China.

The airlines and unions highlighted that China closed its market to U.S. carriers at the beginning of the pandemic and enforced regulations that continue to impact American operations and airline crews. They emphasized the need for the U.S. government to establish a policy safeguarding U.S. aviation workers, industry, and air travelers.

In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, signatories including the CEO of the Airlines for America trade group and the presidents of the Air Line Pilots Association, the Allied Pilots Association, and the Association of Flight Attendants voiced their concerns.

Flight Frequency and Competitive Disadvantages

Although the number of flights between China and the U.S. has been increasing, it remains notably lower than pre-pandemic levels. Notably, the Biden administration recently authorized an increase in the number of round trips allowed for Chinese airlines, from 35 to 50 per week commencing March 31, as a result of assurances from China's aviation authority to pursue a rise in flights by U.S. carriers.

U.S. airlines raised issues regarding Chinese airlines benefiting from flying shorter routes through Russian airspace, inaccessible to U.S. carriers since Russia's invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. They also noted that Chinese airlines receive "certain protections" from the Chinese government due to their state-owned status. The U.S. industry groups cautioned that without equitable access to China's aviation market, American carriers risk losing flights to Chinese airlines.