News / 'Optimistic, but realistic' United Cargo to relaunch direct flights to China

© Sitthipong Pengjan

US carriers are heading back to China.

After Washington and Beijing climbed down from their dispute over the number of carriers and frequencies allowed, Delta led the charge from the west on 21 June with the start of services from Seattle to Shanghai, operating twice a week.

Delta’s flights are routed over Seoul. United is the first US airline launching a direct flight, connecting San Francisco with Shanghai starting on 8 July.

The carrier is using 777-300ER aircraft on the route, which runs ...