US-China flights to double

The number of daily passenger flights between the US and China will double by 2012, thanks to a new agreement.

China's Civil Aviation Administration and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) have enacted a deal that will allow 23 daily flights between the two countries. Three US airlines will be afforded the right to fly to China in the next three years.

Ray Neidl, Analyst for Calyon Securities, said that Delta Air Lines is likely to be the first US carrier awarded a contract, reports Business Travel News.

"Delta would likely be the front-runner for the award," he said.

"It's the only US carrier with a major international presence that does not go to China. Delta has already filed an application to serve an Atlanta-to-Shanghai route, starting in 2008."

With demand for a US-China service far outstripping supply, the move was applauded by several US airlines, as well as Mary Peters, Transportation Secretary.

She said that the new arrangement "opens the way for more frequent, affordable and convenient air service between China and the United States".

This partnership follows the recent news that the US, Canada, and Mexico plan to work towards a trilateral open skies agreement.

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