Delta Air Lines, which wants to offer a direct flight from Atlanta to Beijing, has argued to federal officials that giving United another nonstop flight to China would weaken competition. Delta is one of the only two major US airlines that currently operate no fights to China.

LA Airport Commission Endorses Nonstop Flights to China

The Los Angeles Airport Commission has endorsed the United Airlines' plan to start daily nonstop service to China, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

In an application submitted last month to the US Department of Transportation, United Airlines stated that it planned daily nonstop service between Los Angeles and Shanghai beginning in 2009, and between San Francisco and Guangzhou in 2008.

The daily flight between the two cities is expected to create -- directly and indirectly -- 3,120 jobs and generate 156 million dollars a year in wages, according to official figures.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles City Council members approved the deal earlier.