US-based Delta Air Lines is preparing to seek authorization for direct service between Atlanta and China starting in 2008 and is considering a partnership with China Southern Airlines for the route, Georgia business delegation officials said in Shanghai yesterday.

"Delta Air Lines will apply to open direct passenger and cargo services between Atlanta and a Chinese city in 2008," said Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who's part of a delegation led by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

She said Delta Air Lines has met officials with China's General Administration of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lobbying to launch its first direct flights between the two nations.

Jorge Fernandez, the chamber's vice president, said Delta is now analyzing which Chinese city to target.

"Delta will see what happens in 2007 and consider the distance, traffic flow, service and a lot of factors before deciding which Chinese city to fly to," he said.

Shanghai and Beijing are the obvious favorites, Fernandez said.

He also said as a new member of SkyTeam, China Southern Airlines is likely to be the Chinese partner for the service. Delta is also a member of the airline alliance.

The Georgia delegation, comprising more than 30 representatives from government, business and education, is also attempting to attract Chinese companies to invest in America through the southeastern US state, which the mayor said has advantages in bio-chemistry, communications, software development, health care, logistics and higher education.

She said a Georgia office, the state's 11th international outpost, is expected to be opened in Beijing in the first quarter next year, to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

The delegation also visited Olympic venues in Beijing and shared its experience hosting the 1996 games with Chinese officials.