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The race for China is heating up.  Of the major carriers American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and US Airways are all seeking a route from the United States to China starting later this year or in early 2009.  The claws are bound to come out again as China continues to be a golden market for many carriers.  Last year United won permission to begin a capital to capital service.  Now the other carriers are lining up for their turn. 

American Airlines (AMR) wants to start service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Beijing, China, in March 2009.  Even though American has received a lot of support recently for their suggested service, it may be a hard sell.  United Airlines already operates daily service from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Beijing (PEK).  American has set up a “support” site.  Fly to China on AA. 

Continental Airlines (CAL) hopes to be the first U.S. carrier to provide nonstop service between New York/Newark and Shanghai.  They also want to provide through flight service between Cleveland and Shanghai.  Continental is hoping to operate the service with a 285 seat Boeing 777 aircraft. 

Delta Air Lines (DAL) is hoping to link Shanghai and Beijing with Atlanta.  The airline said they could start Shanghai flights from Atlanta later this year and could start Beijing flights as early as 2009. 

US Airways (LCC) is hoping to link their Philadelphia hub to Beijing, starting in 2009.  The flight would originate in Charlotte and could serve as many as 150,000 travelers annually.  "US Airways is uniquely positioned to offer significant new service benefits to all of those living throughout our state," says N.C. Gov. Mike Easley.

The DOT will award six new routes to China between 2007 and 2009.   

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