The Civilian Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and four airlines, Air China, China Eastern, Jade and Hainan, each agreed to meet with the Midwest-China Hub Commission to assess the potential for opening St. Louis/China cargo routes.
The talks included meetings with representatives of Chinese companies, including Huawei, a technology company, and Glory Real Estate, about trade and potentially setting up operations in St. Louis.
As part of the study, some Chinese companies will visit St. Louis to examine the undeveloped land around Lambert and the area’s highway, rail and river access.
The Chinese airlines told St. Louis officials that they spend a lot on fuel when planes have to circle the congested O’Hare International Airport in Chicago before getting clearance to land.
St Louis Business Journal reported the commission’s consultants, London-based 48 Group Club Chairman Stephen Perry and cargo expert Guenther Rohrmann, will work with Lambert Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge and the rest of the commission on the feasibility study.