Delta to China in under a year

In less than a year, Delta Airlines will soon fly direct from its home base in Atlanta to Shanghai, China, doubling the current number of flights between the US and the Chinese mainland.

US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters made the announcement at Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, saying it's an economic win for both countries.

"By bringing China and the US one step closer, we increase our ability to compete in the global marketplace because we understand how important these new routes are in bringing new prosperity to families, to business and to airlines."

Peters also announced tentative agreements that allow United, American, Continental, Northwest and US Airways to serve China's largest cities, starting in 2009.

Economic Future of Region/US Rosey

According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Asian companies have invested in Georgia to the tune of 75 million dollars in the last year and a half alone.

Ric Huber directs the Chamber's International Trade Division. He says it's a combination of quality of life factors that draws Asian investment to the area, but says the region excels where others don’t. "Most importantly, Atlanta offers access. whether you're looking for access to U-S markets or whether you're looking to access the international markets, Atlanta is keenly interesting to Chinese companies because Atlanta is the gateway opening up not only to U-S but really the entire western hemisphere."

One estimate puts the impact of Delta’s direct Atlanta to China flight on the U-S economy at approximately $400 million dollars a year.