THE number of direct passenger flights between China and the United States has increased starting Thursday, China Central Television reported.

The limit of flights between the two countries was started initially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and before flight limits were imposed between the two countries, China and the United States had over 340 flights per week.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the passenger flights have increased from the original 48 flights per week to 70 flights per week. In addition, the number of round-trip flights has increased from 24 a week to 35 weekly services.

The new flight slots are divided up between the three largest carriers in the United States and six China-based carriers. The lack of flights offered has caused ticket prices for these services to remain high when compared to pre-pandemic pricing. However, the recent increases show a trend that indicates both parties are eager to expand flight operations.

(SD News)