First U.S.-South China Flights at LAX

The first nonstop flight between Guangzhou (formerly Canton) in southern China and the U.S. pulled into Los Angeles International Airport last week--part of an LAX plan to become the top U.S. passenger and cargo hub for China’s national airlines.

China Southern Airlines is now flying Boeing 777 aircraft nonstop between LAX and Guangzhou three times a week. (Other carriers require a stop in Hong Kong and a change of airlines.) The plane departs LAX at 1:30 a.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Fares for the approximately 13-hour flight are about $800 round trip, plus taxes. For reservations, contact a travel agent or the airline; telephone (213) 653-8088.

China Eastern Airlines already flies nonstop between LAX and Shanghai. LAX officials expect Air China to begin flying nonstop to Beijing in late fall, and they are holding preliminary discussions with China Northern Airlines to begin service to northern China. If the talks succeed, LAX will become the only U.S. airport to serve all four Chinese airlines, according to Nancy Suey Castles, the airport’s public affairs director.