On Tuesday, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) said that it would allow the four Chinese carriers currently operating flights to the United States to double flights from four to eight weekly. This is a far cry from the 100 weekly flights the bilateral aviation agreement between the two allows for. Still, it's a step in the right direction.

It is no secret that the relationship between the world's two largest economies has been somewhat unstable of late. Allegations and arguments about coronavirus, an ongoing trade war, and the shutting down of consulates have all increased tensions over the past few months. While aviation disputes have threatened to deteriorate the situation further, it seems the tone is now slightly more amicable and cooperative.

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From once to twice weekly

The four Chinese commercial carriers currently flying to the US are now allowed to double their services from four to eight weekly round-trip flights each. This applies to Air China, China Eastern, China Southern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines, who have all been operating one flight each per week.

Air China flies from Beijing to Los Angeles, China Eastern from Shanghai Pudong to New York-JFK, China Southern from Guangzhou to Los Angeles, and Xiamen Airlines from Xiamen to Los Angeles.

The DOT further stated its willingness to increase the number of flights reciprocally, should "the Chinese aviation authorities adjust their policies to bring about the necessary improved situation."

Chinese airlines
The current crisis could see the big three Chinese airlines take over smaller airlines. Photo: Getty Images

Agreement for up to 100 weekly flights

The bilateral aviation agreement between the US and China, under normal circumstances, allows for 100 weekly flights between the two countries. While demand may not justify quite such a volume of operations for the foreseeable future, the new decision has the two moving closer to airlines being able to exercise their respective rights.

The US previously this month denied requests for increased flights. Still, the situation has improved massively from June when President Trump threatened to block all Chinese airlines from flying into the country.

Delta and United Getty
Delta and United have some daylight between them on their outlook. Photo: Getty Images

Delta and United doubling flights

On August 12th, the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) decided to allow the two US commercial airlines currently operating flights there to double their service.

United Airlines said on Tuesday it would increase its flights from San Fransisco to Shanghai's Pudong International Airport via Seoul Incheon from two to four per week. Before suspending operations entirely back in February, United was the largest US carrier serving China with five daily flights between Shanghai and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York/Newark.

Delta Air Lines is also operating flights to China via Seoul. It will add one weekly flight each from Seattle and Detroit to Shanghai Pudong, beginning August 24th.

Do you thing demand rather than politics should govern flight resumptions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.