Sichuan Airlines launches Jinan-Los Angeles service

Sichuan Airlines on Tuesday launched a flight connecting the eastern Chinese city of Jinan with Los Angeles.

It is Jinan International Airport's first direct flight to the United States.

Sichuan Airlines flies two round trips per week. An Airbus A330 leaves Jinan on Tuesdays and Saturdays and returns a day later.

A single trip takes between 13 and 14 hours, at least three hours shorter than earlier non-direct service, said Xia Geng, vice governor of Shandong, at the launch ceremony. Endi