DFW AIRPORT, Texas, June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport today held celebrations in honor of the first American Airlines flights connecting DFW with Hong Kong and with Shanghai, China, which departed today to open a new era of travel between North Texas and two of the world's leading population centers. The departures were celebrated with Asian cultural displays, music and cuisine inside DFW's International Terminal D. American is serving the DFW to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) route with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and the DFW to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) route using Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
"Today marks one of the biggest milestones in the 40-year history of DFW Airport and our region, as we begin a new era of service connecting Dallas/Fort Worth to Hong Kong and Shanghai," said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW International Airport. "These direct routes connect two of the world's most significant economic centers to DFW and will open new avenues of trade and tourism for our region. Additionally, we expect our Asian visitors to quickly discover that DFW Airport is the preferred point of entry for visitors into the United States and Latin America."
The American Airlines flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai extend the most prolific period of international air service expansion in DFW Airport history. DFW has welcomed the addition of 19 new international destinations over the past three and a half years, giving the Airport a total of 204 destinations, including 56 international markets and 147 domestic airports.
"Increasing international service from Dallas/Fort Worth with new nonstop flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai is great news for the people of North Texas and everyone who connects through this world-class gateway at DFW International Airport," said Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines. "American is proud to offer the first service between Texas and these important international business hubs. These new routes enhance our expanding global network and further establish American's position as the preferred carrier for one-stop connections between Asia and major business and leisure destinations in North, Central and South America."
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the home airport for the fastest growing metropolitan region in the United States, anchored by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, the 9th and 16th largest cities in the United States. Both Mayors serve on the Dallas/Fort Worth Board of Directors.
"These new flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai signal the start of many new opportunities to connect our region and our cities to the expanding global economy," said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. "There are few places on earth that offer more opportunities for economic partnership than Hong Kong and Shanghai, and we want to extend a hearty Texas welcome to all of the visitors we will see arriving at DFW Airport from those cities."
"I want to commend our great partners at American Airlines for launching this route, and we pledge to do everything we can to support the success of these vital connections," said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. "We're confident that with our business friendly economic climate in Texas and our rich western history, there will be a lot for us to offer to our visitors from Shanghai and Hong Kong."
DFW Airport will welcome new visitors from Hong Kong and Shanghai in a number of ways, starting with a first-of-its-kind Concierge program, where greeters who speak Mandarin will be available to answer any questions, give directions or provide arriving visitors with information about the Airport. DFW is the first U.S. airport to offer such a program, and greeters will be available for the arrivals from Hong Kong and Shanghai.
DFW is one of only seven airports worldwide with airline service to over 200 destinations, offering many connection options for travelers looking to fly to points beyond DFW including Mexico, Central America and South America. The Airport's central geographical location in the United States positions it as the premier mid-continent entry point for North America and a key global hub, allowing for more efficient travel to both U.S. and international destinations. DFW is located within a four-hour flight of every major city in the continental United States, Canada and Mexico.
Upon arrival at DFW Airport, customers will find an efficient and friendly process for Customs inside DFW's Terminal D, with wait times now among the shortest in the United States. Once through Customs, visitors will be able to easily recheck their baggage for connecting flights, or immediately locate ground transportation options right outside the arrivals hall including taxis, shuttles, shared ride and car services.
In its 40-year history, DFW Airport has grown into one of the world's preeminent global hubs, now serving over 60 million passengers annually. Customer-centric features such as one of the world's most robust free Wi-Fi systems, a yoga studio and newly-added lounges, eateries and entertainment choices for customers have kept DFW as a top choice for both business and leisure passengers.
American Airlines service between DFW and Hong Kong service represents the carrier's only service into Hong Kong, and will connect two of the busiest hubs in the oneworld® alliance.
American Airlines service between DFW and Shanghai will connect the world's most populous city with the fastest growing metropolitan region in the United States, as well as two longtime partner airports. DFW International Airport and the Shanghai Airport Authority signed an airport alliance in 2008, which has led to exchanges of information and best practices as well as training exchanges for the airports' respective aircraft rescue firefighting teams.
About DFW International Airport
Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2014, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the world's third busiest, hosting 1,850 flights a day and serving 60 million customers a year. Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport provides nonstop service to 147 domestic and 56 international destinations. For seven consecutive years, DFW has ranked among the top ten large airports worldwide for customer service in surveys conducted by Airports Council International. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, visit www.dfwairport.com or download the Official DFW Airport Mobile App for Apple iOS, Android or Blackberry devices.
(re)defining DFW International Airport
DFW International Airport's $2.3 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway. For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to www.dfwairport.com/redefine.
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