The airline says high fuel costs would increase costs by 80%. Company 
hopes to launch the route in 2010, a year later than planned.<br><br>WASHINGTON
 (AP) -- US Airways said Thursday that high fuel prices are forcing the 
airline to seek a one-year delay in starting a route between 
Philadelphia and Beijing.<br><br>In letters to members of Congress and 
employees, the Tempe, Ariz.-based airline said the cost for fuel to run 
the route would be more than $90 million a year - $40 million more than 
the original estimate of about $50 million.<br><br>"We're optimistic 
that economic conditions will be on the upswing in 2010, giving us a 
better chance of success with our first route to China," Scott Kirby, 
the company president, said in a letter to workers.<br><br>When the 
airline was given approval last year by the U.S. Transportation 
Department to create the route, it was announced with fanfare. The 
airline said it would start the service next year using Airbus A340 jets
 that would originate in Charlotte, N.C.<br><br>Air service between the 
United States and China is restricted by agreements between the 
governments, so U.S. airlines must apply for new routes. Kirby said it 
would ask the agency for the delay.<br><br>Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said 
in a statement that the China route is a priority for the Philadelphia 
region, and that the delay was another example of how high gas prices 
are hurting the economy.<br><br>"I hope this delay is only temporary 
because this route has the potential to be an economic boon to 
Philadelphia and good business for US Airways," Casey said.<br>