Delta Airlines is the largest US carrier that does not fly to China.
But CEO Gerald Grinstein is hoping the Atlanta-based carrier can establish a route from its hometown to Shanghai by next year.
"If this is the China century, then the state of Georgia, the city of Atlanta and Delta Airlines are prepared to be a part of it," he says.
American, United and Continental Airlines have direct routes to China, but Delta has tried and failed in the past to gain that privilege.
This time, however, ten southern governors, including Gov. Sonny Perdue, are lobbying the federal government on Delta's behalf.
In a letter to US Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters, Perdue notes the Southeast has the fastest growing economy in the nation. He says a direct Atlanta-Shanghai route would aid economic development.
But CEO Gerald Grinstein is hoping the Atlanta-based carrier can establish a route from its hometown to Shanghai by next year.
"If this is the China century, then the state of Georgia, the city of Atlanta and Delta Airlines are prepared to be a part of it," he says.
American, United and Continental Airlines have direct routes to China, but Delta has tried and failed in the past to gain that privilege.
This time, however, ten southern governors, including Gov. Sonny Perdue, are lobbying the federal government on Delta's behalf.
In a letter to US Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters, Perdue notes the Southeast has the fastest growing economy in the nation. He says a direct Atlanta-Shanghai route would aid economic development.
