Airline news and deals

United Airlines will launch the first direct route from the United States to Southwest China on June 11, flying between San Francisco and Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu. The airline will offer three flights to Chengdu every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and from Chengdu every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A one-way flight takes about 14 hours. The route will be flown by Boeing 787-8.

www.united.com

Air China is launching a package from Beijing to Barcelona, with round-trip tickets starting from 3,800 yuan ($608). A330-30 flights run every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The fare is available until May 31 for trips from May 5 to June 30.

www.airchina.com.cn