United Awarded Nonstop Service between Washington, D.C., and Beijing
January 10, 2007
United Awarded Nonstop Service between Washington, D.C., and Beijing
Jan. 10, 2007 – United Airlines, NTA’s official airline provider, has been awarded the new nonstop U.S.-China route by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 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."
"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 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."
United asked NTA members for their support in obtaining the new route last October. DOT selected the daily service between Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., and Beijing Capital International Airport over proposals from American, Continental and Northwest airlines.
"Our success would not have been possible without the broad base of support, including our employees, that also recognizes the importance of this long-overdue air service," Tilton said.
Washington, D.C., was the largest U.S. metro area without service to China, while 28 leading world capitals have non-stop service to Beijing. Washington, D.C., has the largest Chinese population of any U.S. city without non-stop service.
The new China route will begin as early as March 25.