United To Seek Approval For Xian Service

United Airlines plans to operate flights between the United States and Xian, a popular tourist destination close to the Terracotta Army site, from May next year.

United said it would apply to the US Department of Transportation for approval to start seasonal nonstop flights between San Francisco and Xian. The carrier already flies to more cities in mainland China than its US rivals.

US airlines are jockeying to gain a foothold in China, which IATA estimates will be the largest passenger market by 2030.

To gain an advantage over United, Delta Air Lines recently bought a stake in China Eastern Airways.

United said on Tuesday it intends to use Boeing 787s for the three-times-a-week service, from May 10 to October 29 next year.