DFW: American flies nonstop to Shanghai, Hong Kong

DALLAS-FORT WORTH – American Airlines Inc. is now flying from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to China with nonstop service to Shanghai and Hong Kong.

While it is the world’s largest airline after its December merger with US Airways Inc. the carrier lags far behind Delta Air Lines Inc. and United Airlines Inc. in service to Japan, China and other points in Asia.

The two new routes represent a big economic boost for North Texas, officials believe. In the short-term, the flights will bring in $360 million of economic value.

DFW Airport chief executive Sean Donohue said he is “delighted” that his airport will be the only Texas airport with nonstop service to Shanghai and Hong Kong. The Shanghai route alone will mean $200 million in economic value to North Texas, he said.

American offers daily service to Shanghai from Chicago and Los Angeles and to Beijing from Chicago. Its modest Asian schedule also includes flights from DFW to Seoul, South Korea — a route launched last year — and to Tokyo from Chicago, Los Angeles and DFW.

American’s DFW to Hong Kong flight — which at 8,119 miles and 16-plus hours is the longest in the carrier’s network — will be the airline’s first flight to that city.

The carrier believes it can make money on the flights, and it needs to extend its reach into Asia’s fast-growing economies.