to the U.S. starting later this month, a move that comes as Beijing
prohibits U.S. airlines to resume flights there.
The order, published Wednesday, will take effect June 16, but it could be moved up.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have been pushing to return to China
after pausing service because of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this
year, but they haven’t yet received the approvals from Chinese aviation
authorities to do so.
“Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but
rather an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties will
be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights,” said the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s order Wednesday. “Should the CAAC adjust
its policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for U.S.
carriers, the Department is fully prepared to revisit the action it has
announced in this order.”
In March, Chinese aviation officials said Chinese airlines could keep
flying one scheduled passenger flight a week, on one route to any
country, a measure aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
