ATLANTA – As the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) officially opens the route case for additional U.S. flights to China , the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce is leading a 14-state campaign mobilizing businesses, elected officials and residents in the Southeast to support Delta Air Lines' bid for Atlanta-Shanghai passenger service.

“Direct air routes are essential to building global commerce, and China is one of the most significant trading partners for the Southeastern United States,” said Sam A. Williams, President of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “Delta is well-positioned to compete for the designation to serve China, and I believe Atlanta is without a doubt the best choice for this new service. That's why leaders across the Southeast have joined forces to support Delta's bid.”

The Metro Atlanta Chamber's 14-state campaign to support Delta's bid includes:

• Submitting a separate filing to the DOT on behalf of the Southeastern region to complement Delta's filing. The Chamber's filing will present evidence about the positive impact the Atlanta-Shanghai air service would have on the Southeast– the only U.S. region that does not currently have direct passenger service to China.
• Organizing a letter-writing campaign encouraging businesses, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, elected officials and residents throughout the Southeast to sign a petition or write a letter, supporting Delta's bid.
• Working with Georgia 's Congressional delegation to submit a joint letter of support to the DOT (attached).
• Working with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin's office to solicit letters of support from over 60 Southeastern mayors.

In conjunction with its filing to the DOT, Delta has also launched a web site, www.NextGatewayToChina.com that the public can visit to learn more about the importance and economic impact of the Atlanta-Shanghai route. In addition, visitors can show their support for Delta's bid by signing the petition on the Web site.

It's time for residents in metro Atlanta and the entire Southeast to have direct access to the vibrant China economy and tourism trade,” said Williams. “This is truly an occasion for passengers, elected leaders and businesses to join forces and get the job done.”

##

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce – with our 4,000 member companies that collectively employ more than 700,000 workers – is a catalyst for a vibrant metro region. Over the last 140 years, the Chamber has been bringing the region’s leaders together to tackle the issues that matter most to the business community: quality jobs and quality of life.

< Back