US-based Northwest Airlines will apply to operate nonstop flights between Detroit and Shanghai and Beijing in 2009, the carrier's Beijing office said on Saturday.

 

"Northwest wants to begin new services to China as soon as possible," said Doug Steenland, Northwest president and chief executive officer.

 

The company said it would put Boeing 787 aircraft on both routes if it receives clearance to begin the flights.

 

The carrier's hub in Detroit offers services covering the entire eastern half of the United States with around 1,400 flights every day.

 

Northwest Airlines now operates flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou via Tokyo to the United States.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2007)