American Airlines to launch flights between Chicago O'Hare and Shanghai, China, on 2 April 2006

American Airlines is to launch daily nonstop services from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, China, on Sunday, 2 April 2006.

"The expansion of our network to China is a profoundly significant event that strengthens American as a global competitor and further enhances Chicago as one of the nation's foremost international gateways," said American Airlines Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey. "With daily nonstop service between Chicago and Shanghai, China's largest and most dynamic business center, we will provide broad new access to China for tens of thousands of passengers and shippers in cities large and small, stimulating the market and building strong new commercial and cultural ties between our two countries."

American will operate the Shanghai flight using 245-seat Boeing 777-200 aircraft, the largest in American’s fleet. In First Class, the 777 features 16 Flagship Suite seats that transform into a fully flat six-foot, six-inch bed with drop-down armrests that allow for easier access and more sleeping space. In addition, each suite features privacy dividers, power ports, leather headrests and a host of other comforts designed to enhance the travel experience.

Business Class passengers also will have convenient access to a number of amenities, including gourmet food, in-flight entertainment and power ports in every seat. While First Class passengers will enjoy using a personal video player with up to 20 movie selections, Business Class and Main Cabin passengers will enjoy a personal video monitor with 10 in-seat channels.

Power ports are also available in the Main Cabin at selected seats.

The daily non stop service will depart Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport at 11:05 a.m. and arrive at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport at 2:15 p.m. the following day, local time. From Shanghai, American offers convenient connections to several cities within China through its long-standing partnership with China Eastern Airlines, which is based in Shanghai. Returning, American’s flight departs Shanghai at 4:25 p.m., arriving in Chicago at 5:00 p.m. of the same day, local time. Passengers can connect in Chicago to more than 100 destinations served with nonstop flights by American and American Eagle.

Special rates from hotels in Shanghai, Special rates from hotels in Chicago

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