In what might be the end of a long and bitter battle between four airline titans for a new route to China, the U.S. Department of Transportation gave a provisional thumbs up to United Airlines to fly the first-ever direct service between Beijing and Washington, D.C.
In its decision, DOT found that "United's Washington (Dulles)-Beijing proposal has important advantages that should benefit the traveling public while also enhancing sustainability of the service."
The nonstop service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport can begin as early as March 25 if the tentative decision becomes final. The other airlines that were in the running have two weeks to file an appeal if they disagree with the decision.
“It’s not every day we get the opportunity to make flying more convenient, support airlines and boost the economy by proposing to make it easier to fly between the world's two most dynamic economies,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters. “As difficult as the final choice will be, ultimately the goal is to do everything in our power to expand service, destinations and frequencies between the United States and China.”
In its tentative decision, the DOT found that more people travel to China from the Washington metro area than from any other U.S. city that currently does not have nonstop U.S.-China service. The tentative decision noted that United’s service would provide the greatest capacity, offering over 253,000 seats annually in the U.S.-China market.
Also applying for the daily service were Continental Airlines, which applied for service between Newark, N.J., and Shanghai; and Northwest Airlines, which applied for Detroit-Shanghai service.
American Airlines had initially proposed a nonstop between Dallas and Beijing. It turned out the flight would be 15 minutes longer than its pilot union allows, so the company tried to change their proposal. DOT officials said it was too late in the game for changes and American withdrew.
"We applaud the Department of Transportation on their fair and thorough process and for putting the interest of the nation and the traveling public first," said Glenn Tilton, United Airlines’ chairman, president and CEO. "United Airlines is honored to be selected as the first carrier to connect the governments, commerce and cultures of these two important capital cities."
