In an unusually quick decision, the US Department of Transportation has approved American Airlines’ application to fly between Los Angeles and Shanghai beginning April 5, reported The Dallas Morning News.
The decision, just six days after American asked for the route, was a sharp contrast from 2006, when the competition among US carriers for China routes was a brutal, prolonged affair.
DOT officials noted in their order that American qualified for the China route and that no competitors raised objections to American's plans for a daily round trip between the two cities. In a prepared statement, American said it was "very pleased" with the DOT decision.
"These new flights will enrich American's customer service offering to China and will expand American's schedule at Los Angeles International Airport, one of its five cornerstone cities," the airline said.
Cargonews Asia
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