Boeing has delivered its first Boeing 737-8 to China in nearly five years since the Civil Aviation Administration of China grounded the type in March 2019.
Passenger volume for the Chinese New Year is expected to exceed 2019 levels to reach 80 million, due to relaxed travel restrictions and a longer holiday period.
Chinese startup AutoFlight has flown a prototype of a firefighting version of its CarryAll electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing uncrewed cargo aircraft.
U.S. repair stations seeking to serve Chinese markets face bilateral challenges, but the country’s market growth may drive closer regulatory collaboration.
The news of the capacity boost comes on the heels of China’s “Big Three” carriers all reporting their first quarterly profits since the pandemic started.
The CAAC says it will support "smooth and orderly resumption of international passenger flights" and approve applications from airlines "in a timely manner."