American Airlines launch direct flights

Aug. 3, 2009 China Knowledge American Airlines Inc, the world's largest airline, plans to offer daily nonstop flights on the Beijing Chicago route beginning on Apr. 7, 2010 to meet the demand for flights during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Shanghai Daily reported on Friday.

The carrier said that the new route will provide more choices for travelers flying between China and the U.S. and will give it a competitive advantage against other carriers in the Chinese market, according to the report.American Airlines was set to launch nonstop flights Beijing and Chicago on April 1, 2009. However, due to high fuel prices and other issues, the company asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to allow a one-year delay.

The carrier launched its first Chinese route, which links Shanghai and Chicago, in 2006. It operates daily direct flights on the route, using a 245-seat Boeing 777-200 aircraft, the largest in its fleet.