Direct flights between Chengdu in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province and Los Angeles, the US, recommenced on Friday as part of an expanded series of flights between China and the US initiated on November 9. Observers anticipate that this increase in flights will foster enhanced bilateral communication and business activities.
Operated by Sichuan Airlines under flight number 3U3837, the Chengdu-Los Angeles direct flight takes place every Tuesday and Friday. The outbound journey spans 14 hours from Chengdu to Los Angeles, while the return flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu, with a layover in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province, extends to 19 hours and 25 minutes.
The reinstatement of the China-US direct flight is anticipated to augment people-to-people interactions and elevate Chengdu’s regular international passenger flight routes to 65, according to a representative from the Chengdu Municipal Port and Logistics Office, as revealed during a promotional event conducted by Sichuan Airlines on Thursday.
China and the US recently declared an expanded round of direct flight offerings starting from November 9, with the inaugural direct flight from Beijing to Washington completing its round trip.
In the winter/spring season initiated on November 9, direct flights between China and the US are projected to reach 70 per week, a notable increase from the previous season’s 48. The equivalent round-trip flights are expected to surge to 35 from 24.
Market observers underscore that the upsurge in direct flights will facilitate people-to-people exchanges and cross-border business activities, contributing positively to the bolstering of bilateral relations.
Recent days have seen positive developments in China-US economic relations, coinciding with the recuperation of aviation cooperation. US automaker Ford announced the resumption of its electric car battery plant in Michigan earlier this week, with support from Chinese battery provider CATL, which provided technology, equipment, and personnel.