Airlines Delay China Launch

United and Delta Airlines are postponing their launch of routes to China.

The two airlines won federal approval to begin the routes months ago, but are unable to start the service because of the strain on the airline industry and the slumping economy.

The airlines plan on asking for a one year delay in launching the new routes.

Access to the routes between the U.S. and China are highly competitive because air service between the two countries is restricted by bilateral agreements.