Delta Air Lines will expand its trans-Pacific network by launching a new nonstop route between Atlanta (ATL) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) beginning in July 2018. This service becomes Delta’s fourth U.S. gateway to Shanghai, joining existing flights from Detroit (DTW), Seattle (SEA), and Los Angeles (LAX).
The new Atlanta–Shanghai connection will link some 150 destinations across the United States and Latin America to Shanghai, while also enabling connections to approximately 50 additional Chinese cities through Delta’s codeshare partnership with China Eastern.
“Strong demand for Delta service across the Pacific and to China nonstop from the U.S., as well as our China Eastern partnership, make this route compelling for both business and leisure travelers,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta. “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.”
U.S. Senator David Perdue welcomed the announcement as a boost for Georgia’s economy, noting the route’s potential to strengthen ties between U.S. businesses and Shanghai, one of the world’s major financial centers.
Delta will operate the route with a Boeing 777‑200LR configured to carry 291 passengers. The aircraft offers onboard amenities designed for long-haul comfort, including onboard Wi‑Fi, individual seat‑back entertainment screens, power outlets, and complimentary meals and beverages.
The new nonstop service is positioned to provide improved connectivity for both leisure and corporate travelers, offering Atlanta-area customers direct access to Shanghai and convenient onward connections across China via the partnership with China Eastern. In addition to expanding travel options, the route is expected to support trade and business relationships between the southeastern United States and East Asia.
With this launch, Delta reinforces its presence across the Pacific, complementing its existing U.S.–China network and leveraging alliances to provide a broader range of destinations for travelers originating in the United States and Latin America. The addition of Atlanta–Shanghai aligns with industry trends toward increased direct long-haul service between major U.S. hubs and Asia, improving schedule flexibility and simplifying itineraries for passengers.
Passengers on the new route can anticipate the carrier’s typical long-haul amenities and inflight service standards, along with the operational reliability and customer experience improvements Delta emphasizes on its trans‑Pacific services.