American Airlines launches new service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Beijing

FORT WORTH - American Airlines launched daily nonstop service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), marking the airline's 11th route between the U.S. and Asia and the only daily nonstop flight connecting DFW and Beijing.

"The launch of today's flight is a significant milestone for American as we continue to grow our presence in the important Asia-Pacific region," said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of American Airlines. "With this new service to Beijing, American now offers nonstop service from Dallas/Fort Worth to five key business markets in Asia – Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. This new destination further enhances our network footprint and allows for one-stop connections through DFW between Asia and major business and leisure destinations in North, Central and South America."

"Today marks the beginning of a new phase in our growing business relationship with the trans-Pacific market," said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. "It's a critical connection that will open new doors for trade and tourism in our region. The direct DFW-Beijing connection will continue to elevate our region as an international business epicenter."

"This is an exciting day for Dallas/Fort Worth area residents who will have direct access to China's capital city for the first time," said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. "This new route will connect our great Metroplex to a very important destination in Asia and will play a key role in further strengthening ties between our region and Asia. We are proud to have American Airlines as a Fort Worth company and are confident that this flight will not only increase DFW Airport's profile, but the region's profile as an international destination."

"This new flight to Beijing is a milestone achievement for our Airport and for our region as we gain nonstop connectivity to one of the world's leading business centers and the capital of China," said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW International Airport. "We want to thank our partners at American Airlines for extending their service from DFW to key points in Asia such as Beijing. Our mission to connect the world to Dallas/Fort Worth will get a great boost from this new traffic from Beijing, and will open new avenues of trade and tourism for our region."

"The Dallas/Fort Worth-Beijing flight strengthens the relations between Texas and China and demonstrates the rapid growth of Texas-China cooperation," said Mr. Li Qiangmin, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Houston. "The flight's positive impact will radiate in the southern part of the U.S. It will certainly benefit our business relations, help bring our peoples and countries closer, and contribute to the overall China-U.S. cooperative relations."

Daily DFW-PEK Service Schedule (all times local):

AA 89
Departs DFW at 11:20 a.m.
Arrives at PEK at 2:15 p.m. the following day

AA 88
Departs PEK at 4:25 p.m.
Arrives at DFW at 4:45 p.m.

American's service to Beijing will initially operate with a Boeing 777-200 aircraft before it switches to the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner beginning June 2 – marking the inaugural international flight for the new aircraft. In addition to improved aerodynamics, advanced engine technology, better fuel efficiency and lower overall operating costs, the 787-8 will feature a state-of-the-art onboard travel experience. Features include fully lie-flat Business Class seats and satellite Wi-Fi capability.

The new flight from DFW will complement American's existing service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Beijing. Through American's extensive network from Dallas/Fort Worth, customers traveling from Beijing will now have one-stop access to nearly 200 additional destinations throughout North, Central and South America. American offers more service to Latin America than any other U.S. airline.

American is investing more than $2 billion to give customers a superior travel experience around the world. These improvements include fully lie-flat seats; international Wi-Fi; more in-flight entertainment options; a new, modern design for Admirals Club lounges worldwide; and an upgraded assortment of complimentary healthy food, cocktails and more. For more information on American's $2 billion investment, please visit aa.com/goingforgreat.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia