China and U.S. to Increase Flights

Under a new civil aviation agreement, there will be 13 new daily flights to be operated by U.S. carriers to and from China by 2012. During 2007 and 2008, one new daily flight will be added, with four flights in 2009, three more in 2010 and two more in 2011 and 2012 for a total of 23 daily flights.

While these flights are for passenger aircraft with belly cargo availability, under the agreement U.S. cargo carriers will have virtually unfettered access to Chinese markets. All government-set limits on the number of cargo flights and cargo carriers serving both countries will be lifted by 2011.

At present, U.S. airlines can operate only 10 daily flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. In terms of the new agreement, the U.S. will be able t designate three additional U.S. carriers to operate to China, one in 2007 and two in 2009.