China Eastern Airlines has applied to the country's civil aviation regulator for approval to open the first regular direct flight between China and Hawaii in the United States.

"We have applied to the Chinese government for permission for the route linking Shanghai and Hawaii, but it is still not clear when the approval will be granted," a spokesman for China Eastern told Shanghai Daily yesterday. "Opening the route also requires approvals from the United States and countries that the plane will fly through."

Currently there are no direct flights between China and Hawaii. China Eastern partnered with China CYTS Tours Holding Co to operate three charter flights on the route during the recent Chinese New Year holiday, which drew a great response.