China's flagship carrier is seeking approval to operate scheduled flights connecting Beijing and Saipan.

Air China filed its application with the U.S. Department of Transportation on May 31, 2007.

According to the application, Air China plans to operate two nonstop flights a week between Saipan and Beijing, beginning July 15, 2007. The airline is requesting authority to serve the route for at least one year.

If awarded the frequency, Air China may operate the initial service with Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

The House of Representatives adopted a resolution in support for Air China's application on June 22. "The proposed service will enhance travel-related services between Beijing and Saipan through its direct connection and will further strengthen the local tourism industry," states the resolution, authored by Rep. Absalon Waki Jr.

In December 2006, Air China launched charter flights between Beijing and the CNMI. The direct service operates twice a week. Every Thursday and Sunday, the aircraft takes off from Beijing at 6:10pm and arrives on Saipan at 1:55am the next day local time.

The Beijing flights are chartered by Century Tours, an accredited tour agency under the 2004 CNMI-China Approved Destination Status agreement.

Beijing is the third city on the Chinese mainland to have direct flights to the Northern Marianas, after Guangzhou and Shanghai.