AA launches Hong Kong and Shanghai services

American Airlines has launched daily services between Dallas/Fort Worth and Hong Kong and Shanghai. The carrier is flying a B777-300ER on the Hong Kong route, marking the first time American has deployed its flagship aircraft to Asia. Flight AA137 departs Dallas/Fort Worth at 1245 and arrives in Hong Kong at 1815 local time the following day. Return service AA138 takes off from HKG at 1330 and lands at Dallas/Fort Worth at 1630 local time. AA's service to Shanghai Pudong will be operated by a B777-200ER aircraft. The airline will soon be retrofitting its entire B777-200ER fleet to include "fully lie-flat business class seats, each with aisle access; new seats in the main cabin; in-seat entertainment; and international wifi capability" (see news, April 9). Flight AA127 departs Dallas/Fort Worth at 1055 and arrives in Shanghai at 1455 local time the following day. Return service AA128 leaves Shanghai at 1650 and lands at Dallas/Fort Worth at 1810 local time. Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines, said: "Increasing international service from Dallas/Fort Worth with new nonstop flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai is great news for the people of North Texas and everyone who connects through this world-class gateway at DFW International Airport. "American is proud to offer the first service between Texas and these important international business hubs. These new routes enhance our expanding global network and further establish American's position as the preferred carrier for one-stop connections between Asia and major business and leisure destinations in North, Central and South America." aa.com Graham Smith