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.
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Village in E China's Shandong thrives on Spring Festival couplets industry
China strongly opposes Slovenian PM's 'dangerous' remarks on Taiwan: FM
China poised for strong recovery in 2023, says Morgan Stanley economist
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
Alfa Romeo Milano EV unveiled: Italian brand's debut electric car is here and will cost around £34k
Morale plunges amid setbacks as Myanmar’s junta looks for scapegoats — Radio Free Asia
Taikonaut Chen Dong sets China's record for longest stay in space
Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri
China, U.S. should work together in same direction to stabilize, improve bilateral relations