United Delays the San Francisco - Guangzhou Route

United Airlines announced it is delaying the launch of its San Francisco-Guangzhou route, originally expected to start June 18th. According to Marketwatch.com, the carrier blamed soaring fuel costs for its decision to postpone the route. "At the time United originally applied for the right to serve the route, United paid on average US$72 a barrel of oil," United is quoted as saying in a statement. "With prices in excess US$110 a barrel today, we face a cost increase of more than US$2 billion."

United Airlines awarded non-stop service San Francisco to Guangzhou, China

Other new U.S to China routes to follow under new airways agreement
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded a new direct route to China to United Airlines, making it the first U.S. carrier to offer daily, nonstop service between San Francisco and Guangzhou. The San Francisco to Guangzhou service will begin in spring of 2008 utilizing a Boeing 777 aircraft, including United First, Business, Economy Plus and Economy classes.

Also awarded was a Atlanta-Shanghai route to Delta Airlines. Delta will be the first U.S carrier to offer this route as well.

These new routes mark the first additions since the Chinese government signed an open airways agreement with the U.S this past July. Other new routes being considered are Chicago to Beijing (American), Newark to Shanghai (Continental), Detroit to Shanghai (Northwest), and Philadelphia to Beijing (US Airways).