Delta Air Lines Inc. launched www.NextGatewayToChina.com to inform the public about its bid to get the first nonstop flight between China and the Southeastern United States.

The airline officially submitted its bid to the U.S. Department of Transportation to open a nonstop flight between Atlanta and Shanghai, China, June 21.

The airline’s case for the flight, which includes linking 65 million Southeasterners to China, is detailed on the new Web site. Visitors to the site can also sign an e-petition to show their support for opening the new route.

Signatories to the petition would join a host of business leaders, trade associations, tourism organizers and elected officials, including 10 U.S. representatives, 10 governors, two U.S. Senators, seven state agencies, two regional chambers of commerce and three Chinese professional associations that have all demonstrated their support for the route.

Twelve members of the Georgia Congressional delegation have also sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters, saying that the route would “fill a substantial service void,” and “provide enormous consumer and competitive benefits to the nation.”

Delta, which serves more worldwide destinations than any other carrier, is the largest U.S. international carrier without nonstop service to China. The Southeastern United States is the only area of the country without a direct flight to China.

If granted the route, the company will provide daily nonstop service between Atlanta and Shanghai using its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft.

For more information, visit. www.delta.com or www.NextGatewayToChina.com