Coronavirus: American Chamber of Commerce gets permission to fly business executives to China

Many foreigners working in China have been unable to return as a result of Covid-19 restrictions imposed in March

The trade body has now secured permission for a charter flight next month but tight restrictions remain on those allowed to re-enter

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Most foreign residents have been unable to return to China. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:00pm, 18 Aug 2020Updated: 12:10am, 19 Aug 2020

The American Chamber of Commerce in China has secured approval to fly US executives back to China.

A source from AmCham China said almost 200 people had signed up for a San Francisco to Beijing charter flight since Monday – well over the 120 needed to make it happen.

The chamber said that only those who were employed by member companies who had received a letter of invitation, known as a PU letter, would be allowed on the flight. They also must obtain a valid re-entry visa.

Family members will be permitted to travel with the employee, but all passengers will be required to pass a Covid-19 test before boarding and must enter quarantine upon arrival.

The price of the flight operated by United Airlines is expected to be “competitive with current commercial rates”, with economy class seats starting at US$4,300 and business class seats priced starting at US$10,000.

AmCham China estimates that between 5,000 and 10,000 members of the US business community are currently stuck overseas.