Delta adds new US connection to Shanghai

Delta Air Lines will continue to expand its operations in China next summer with the launch of another trans-Pacific service to Shanghai.

The carrier currently operates three direct flights from the US to Shanghai, connecting China’s financial capital with Detroit, Seattle and Los Angeles. And from 20 July 2018, the airline will start flying direct to Shanghai from its home base of Atlanta.

Under a partnership with Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines, in which Delta owns an equity stake, passengers will be offered connecting flights to more than 50 destinations across China.

“Strong demand for Delta service across the Pacific and to China nonstop from the US as well as our China Eastern partnership make this route compelling for both business and leisure travellers,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO. “We look forward to connecting Delta’s hometown and China Eastern’s home with this route, while offering our customers innovative products, thoughtful in-flight service and leading operational reliability.”

Delta’s Atlanta-Shanghai service will be operated using a 291-seat Boeing 777-200LR aircraft featuring 37 flat-bed seats in business class, 36 seats in premium economy and 218 in economy. All passengers are offered in-seat power outlets and Wi-Fi.

Under the new schedule, Delta’s flights will depart Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport daily at 1500 and arrive at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport at 1850 the next day. They then take-off from Shanghai at 1140 and land back in Atlanta at 1455 the same day.