US Airlines Push Back Against More China Flights Over Russia Overflight Costs
US carriers oppose expanding direct flights to China, citing the cost disadvantage from Chinese airlines' continued access to Russian airspace.
US airlines are resisting any move to add more direct flights between the United States and China, according to the head of the industry group Airlines for America.
Chris Sununu, who leads the organisation representing American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and others, said on Thursday that US carriers remain disadvantaged because Chinese airlines are still permitted to overfly Russia on eight flights. That access, he argued, translates into a significant cost gap for American operators.
"It's not just a minor thing. It's a huge cost to the airlines to have to go around Russia," Sununu said in an interview.
He added that he has been urging officials in the Trump administration not to concede on the issue.
The opposition comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping has raised the idea of increasing the number of direct flights between the two countries. Sununu's comments signal that US carriers intend to keep pressing their case against any expansion while the current overflight arrangement remains in place.