Ambassador Jang Ha-sung "Discussing Increasing Flights with China"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Since the COVID-19 pandemic, air routes between Korea and China have been limited to one route per airline per week. In this context, Jang Ha-sung, the Korean Ambassador to China, revealed that discussions are underway with China to increase the number of flights.

On the 25th, during a meeting with Beijing correspondents, Ambassador Jang stated, "We have proposed to the Chinese authorities to increase the number of regular flights between Korea and China from the current once a week," adding, "We are currently in talks with China."

He explained, "Although no results have come out yet, the initial response from the Chinese side to our proposal has not been negative. The Korea-China fast-track system for businesspeople (simplified entry procedures) is in operation, but due to the shortage of flights, it is not easy to secure airplane seats. Therefore, we made a proposal to the Chinese side and are actively discussing it."

The operation of the Korea-China fast-track system, which many countries are benchmarking, is also being directed toward expansion.

Ambassador Jang added, "We are discussing expanding the current fast-track regions, which cover 10 cities. Although some cities currently have no flights, there are cases where special flights operate, so we believe that expanding the regions now will be helpful later."

The fast-track system is also being promoted to expand not only the regions but also the eligible participants. Ambassador Jang said, "So far, large corporations have chartered planes to use the fast-track system, and some have included employees of small and medium-sized enterprises and partner companies to receive the same benefits. Although it is still in the early stages, we are actively utilizing it on our side," adding, "We are trying to increase the number of small and medium-sized enterprises entering through regular flights rather than chartered planes via the fast-track system."

He conveyed, "There is an expectation that many aspects will normalize once the ongoing Two Sessions in China conclude," and stated, "We will strive to address the difficulties faced by companies and Korean residents accordingly."