American to link DFW with Hong Kong and Shanghai

American Airlines plans to launch its first ever flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and Hong Kong and Shanghai respectively next year.

The daily service to Hong Kong will be operated with a B777-300ER – the first time American has operated the aircraft to Asia. The Shanghai Pudong flight will be operated with a B777-200 aircraft.

Both routes are slated to launch in summer 2014, subject to government, and will operate as part of the joint business agreement with Japan Airlines.

American already operates from Los Angeles and Chicago O’Hare to Shanghai, while Hong Kong is a new addition to the network.

“DFW Airport, Mayor Price and I have been advocating for more direct access to the Asian market because it’s critical for businesses here and across the state,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “These new routes will represent more than $360 million in annual economic impact for our region and launch Dallas and Fort Worth into a new dimension of international business and cultural engagement.”