In the corridors of the U.S. aviation industry, a unified call echoes with major airlines and their unions urging the U.S. to stop approving more flights between China and the United States. Their call stems from what they see as China's "anti-competitive" practices, which they believe are a serious hindrance to the growth of U.S. airlines.
U.S. airlines and unions said on Thursday that China closed its market to U.S. airlines during the pandemic and implemented rules that still affect U.S. operations and crews, according to British media on April 12. These grievances were amply addressed in a joint letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buteigieg.
At the same time, the letter was signed by the CEO of the American Airlines Association and the presidents of a number of prominent pilots and flight attendant unions, including the American Pilots Association and the Flight Attendants Association. The letter highlights the solidarity of the industry.
Despite the gradual increase in the number of flights between the two countries, American airlines believe that China's measures are still biased in favor of their own airlines. Notably, the U.S. recently decided to increase the number of round-trip flights with Chinese airlines, a move that follows a commitment from China's aviation authorities to respond.
At the heart of the American Airlines dispute is the preferential treatment allegedly accorded to Chinese airlines. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chinese state-owned airlines have been given favorable routes through Russian airspace, while American airlines have been shut out, according to American Airlines.
Industry groups argue that this difference in treatment puts American airlines at a significant disadvantage and risks losing rival routes. In addition, they emphasized the need for the U.S. government to develop policies that protect the U.S. aviation industry's workers, the integrity of the industry, and the interests of passengers.
The U.S. airline's passionate appeal to China's aviation underscores the urgency of undermining the systemic issue of fair competition. As the U.S. navigates the complexities of international aviation policy, the interests of all parties remain highly intertwined.