SATURDAY MAR 25, 2023
×
Search AeroXplorer
American Carriers Consider Returning to China

American Carriers Consider Returning to China

BY ADAM SCHUPAK 12/28/2022 AGO 0 COMMENTS

On Monday, December 26, 2022, China's National Health Commission said that it will drop the quarantine requirement for travelers entering China, effective January 8. The end of the policy comes as China is slowly loosening up its policies towards COVID-19 after nearly three years of being almost completely shut to foreign travelers. 

 

Photo: AeroXplorer | Sam Kennedy

 

Reduced Demand

 

Pre Covid, the big three U.S. airlines — Delta, American, and United — had extensive networks connecting China to their hubs in the United States. Once China instituted its aggressive policies for COVID-19, the demand for these routes decreased drastically, resulting in them being cut from various route networks. 

 



ADVERTISEMENT

 

The big three still wanted to serve the Chinese market and connect the very small amount of Chinese demand to the United States market, so they found a workaround: flying normally-scheduled wide-body routes from their hubs in the United States to Seoul, South Korea. From there, the airlines would refuel their aircraft, unload passengers, and head onward into China. This way they would avoid a majority of China's COVID policies. 

 

A United 777 in Hong Kong. Photo: AeroXplorer | Thomas Tse

 

Currently, the only two cities in China being served by any U.S. carrier are Shanghai by American, Delta, and United, and Hong Kong by United.

 

Possible Rebound? 

 

Photo: AeroXplorer | Nailah Blake

 

With the dropping of the one policy that kept U.S. carriers from expanding in China now exiting the picture, a major opportunity has been presented. Recent analysis has shown that there is significant demand for the connection of the Chinese and American passenger aviation markets. All that is left is for these American carriers to make their move.

 



ADVERTISEMENT

 

The main hurdle regarding the expansion into the Chinese market is that both governments — American and Chinese — need to approve the opening of each new route by a U.S. carrier. This can take up to six months, meaning if the expansion does prove successful, the process will be painfully slow.

Adam Schupak
Adam Schupak is a member of the AeroXplorer staff team, writing articles and contributing to their podcast - Aerospace by AeroXplorer. Adam is interested in anything public transport related and is currently training to become a glider pilot.

Comments (0)

Add Your Comment

SHARE

TAGS

NEWS American American Airlines Delta Delta Airlines United United Airlines China United States USA Expansion COVID COVID-19 Coronavirus Restriction

RECENTLY PUBLISHED

Lufthansa To Bring Back A380 On U.S. Routes Lufthansa has officially announced that it will be bringing back its Airbus A380s. Its first post-pandemic routes? The East Coast. Due to higher-than-expected demand, Lufthansa is set to expand service from its Munich hub using the biggest passenger plane in its armory. NEWS READ MORE »
The 5 Best Aviation Books You Should Definitely Read There are many backstories to airlines you have probably never heard of, but books offer a great outlet to find them. Here are five books you should read right now that will provide considerable insight into the aviation industry. INFORMATIONAL READ MORE »
The World's 4 Most Challenging Airports for Pilots Aviation is safer than ever these days, but some airports are so extreme that they cause even the most skilled pilots to become uneasy. This article will break down some of the world's most extreme airports. INFORMATIONAL READ MORE »


SHOP

$2999
NEW!AeroXplorer Aviation Sweater Use code AVGEEK for 10% off! BUY NOW

FOLLOW US ONLINE