Large US airlines and their unions are urging the Biden administration to halt approval of any further flights between the United States and China due to China’s anti-competitive policies towards US carriers. These policies were implemented when China closed its market to US carriers at the onset of the pandemic and continue to impact American operations and airline crews. The airlines and unions have addressed a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, stressing the need for protective policies for US aviation workers, industry, and air travelers. The letter was signed by the CEO of the Airlines for America trade group, as well as the presidents of the Air Line Pilots Association, the Allied Pilots Association, and the Association of Flight Attendants, representing crews at American Airlines.

Despite the gradual increase in flights between China and the US, the number remains significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. The Biden administration recently raised the weekly limit for round trips that Chinese airlines can make from 35 to 50, following China’s commitment to seek an increase in flights by US carriers. However, US airlines argue that Chinese carriers have an advantage as they are permitted to fly shorter routes through Russian airspace, which has been restricted for US carriers since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. Furthermore, they claim that Chinese airlines receive certain protections from the Chinese government due to their state-owned status.

US industry groups emphasize that without equal access to China’s aviation market, American carriers risk losing flights to their Chinese counterparts. They are concerned about the disparities in treatment and urge the US government to establish policies that protect the American aviation industry, workers, and air travelers.