American applies for nonstop Beijing service

© American Airlines

Fort Worth-based carrier American Airlines has confirmed that it will apply to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin a nonstop Chicago-Beijing service in 2009.

The airline is seeking to capitalize on a recent open skies agreement between the US and Chinese governments, and hopes to begin a Chicago O'Hare to Beijing service from March 25, 2009.

According to Gerard Arpey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines, the service will use 245-seat Boeing 777 aircraft for a daily service, providing increased network competition in the US-China flight market.

"Having carefully looked at the current competitive landscape and the growth patterns in traffic, we believe that expanding China service from our Chicago gateway will provide the greatest public benefits in this round of new service opportunities," he said.

"Looking ahead, we expect to participate vigorously in the next proceeding when there will be opportunities for additional gateways in 2010."

If the DOT approves its application, American Airlines flights would leave Chicago at 11.15am, arriving in Beijing at 1.50pm the following day.

The return leg would depart from China at 3:45pm and arrive in Illinois at 3:45pm, the same day.

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