More direct flights between U.S. and China likely in 2017

Media reports quoting some frequent travelers between the two major countries in the world said that there are huge expectations for introducing even more direct flights between Chinese and U.S. destinations. The prime reason for this expectation is that there is a strong demand from the travelers in the two countries, particularly business travelers, as many companies are moving to secondary cities, which are still considered to be big. Another equally important reason being that more and more people nowadays want to explore and experience varied cultures in other countries across the globe.

Meanwhile, American Airlines is also trying to expand its network in China. But the airline is also facing roadblocks with delays in launching of new routes. American Airlines is presently engaged in an acrimonious dispute with the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which has so far refused to grant any landing or takeoff slots at Beijing Capital Airport to the airline.

American Airlines had in early February this year approached the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and filed a formal objection seeking to bar Air China from renewing its permit for operating flights between Houston and Beijing. Apart from this, American Airlines has also sought approval from the DOT for extending the date of launch of flights services between Beijing Capital airport and Los Angeles International Airport. The deadline for the launch of the new Beijing-Los Angeles flights was March 16, 2017, which was to be operated with the help of a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.