The United Airlines (UAL) announced in Beijing February 12 that beginning from April 2, it will become the first air company providing direct flights between Beijing and Chicago. By then, passengers traveling from Beijing to the central part of America will enjoy quick and convenient air services.

Last year 260,000 people flew to the United States from China, said Guo Zhenxiong, the Airlines' general manager in China. The Shanghai-San Francisco line turned out to be profitable, therefore UAL decided to open the Beijing-Chicago line.

The new line offers a daily flight under the number of UA850, taking off from Beijing at 16:35, Beijing time, arriving at Chicago at 16:40, local time on the same day, with the flying duration shortened to 13 hours and 5 minutes. Passengers can continue their journey to more than 210 cities in the United States from Chicago or fly to other countries via flights of the Star Alliance's partners.

Reports say the UAL will also provide a flight from Beijing to San Francisco via Tokyo, the biggest traffic hub of UAL in Asia.

(People’s Daily 02/14/2001)