FORT WORTH , Texas – American Airlines today issued the following statement from Will Ris, Senior Vice President – Government Affairs:

“American Airlines is disappointed that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has chosen to reject its request to amend its application to offer nonstop service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Beijing, China, to allow a stop in Chicago. Our application would have brought new service to an underserved area of the country and offered enhanced competition in the ever-growing China marketplace.

“We do want to thank the tens of thousands of employees, customers, passengers and travelers from across the country who supported our route case. It's heartening to know that we had such widespread support and we sincerely thank everyone who sent in a letter on our behalf for their commitment to American.

“Additionally, we want to thank the more than 30 U.S. Senators, 92 members of the House of Representatives and 16 of the nation's governors who also endorsed our bid. American will reapply for additional China service when DOT is ready to consider granting additional frequencies.”