American Airlines announced today it now plans to initiate service between Chicago and Beijing effective May 25, 2010. American had initially planned on launching service between the two cities this coming Monday, May 3.
The airline was forced to delay its services between Chicago and Beijing after the carrier failed to obtain desired landing and take-off slots at Beijing airport.
“Simply put, American has not received commercially-viable landing and take-off slots for Beijing Capital International Airport from Chinese aviation authorities,” the carrier said. “Until American receives viable operating slots, we will not be able to fly between Chicago and Beijing and thus cannot deliver air transportation services to the American and Chinese people.”
American Airlines is continuing to work with Chinese aviation authorities to acquire appropriate landing and take-off slots at Beijing Capital International Airport and is in contact with its customers.
The carrier, which has already sold fares for the flights, said it was rebooking customers on other flights and offering full refunds or the opportunity to travel on American at a later date.
(eTN): American Airlines delays flights between Chicago and Beijing to May 25 | re-post license |Â post content
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