American Seeks DOT Approval to Launch DFW-Beijing Service

American Airlines has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for the right to operate new service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport beginning next summer.

If American Airlines’ application is approved, the new route would be the first non-stop flight connecting Beijing Capital International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

This is a computer graphic image of a Boeing 777-200ER in American Airlines’ new livery. American operates 47 Boeing 777-200ERs and has a total of 20 Boeing 777-200ERs in service and on order

“By adding this new Beijing service, American will achieve a significant milestone in the development of its Asian network by offering non-stop service from Dallas/Fort Worth to five key markets in Asia – Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo,” says Andrew Nocella, chief marketing officer – American Airlines.

“The pending addition of Beijing and recent additions of Shanghai and Hong Kong elevate Dallas/Fort Worth to one of the primary connecting hubs between Asia and destinations within the U.S. as well as Mexico, Central and South America,” adds Nocella.

American’s proposed new flight DFW-Beijing service would also complement its existing service from Chicago to Beijing and would represent its 11th route between the U.S. and Asia.

Since 2013, American has added new non-stop flights connecting Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

American Airlines operates many of its long-haul services with Boeing 777-200ERs. The airline had 47 in service as of September 2014

It would operate the Dallas/Fort Worth-Beijing route under its joint business agreement with fellow oneworld alliance member Japan Airlines. Through oneworld member carriers and their affiliates, American’s customers have access to nearly 150 destinations within Asia, according to the airline.

American Airlines would operate the service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Beijing with Boeing 777-200ER widebodies.

Dallas/Fort Worth-based American Airlines is retrofitting its entire fleet of 777-200ERs with fully lie-flat Business Class seats, all with aisle access; new seats in the Main Cabin; in-seat entertainment; and international Wi-Fi capability.

American claims the new fully lie-flat Business Class seats in its 777-200ERs offer customers the largest space of any 777 Business Class seat offered by any U.S. carrier.