United Airlines Seeks DOT Permission for L.A.-Shanghai Route

Shortly after American Airlines began seeking approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to set up flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai, United Airlines filed an application with the DOT for authority to begin daily nonstop service between the airline’s Los Angeles hub and Shanghai, starting May 20, 2011. In addition, Continental Airlines applied for authority to place its CO code on United-operated flights between the two cities.

With more than 200 daily departures from Los Angeles International Airport, United would offer convenient connections to customers throughout North America.

The proposed flights from Los Angeles will depart at 1:33 p.m. and arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 5:55 p.m. the next day. Service from Shanghai, beginning May 21, 2011, will depart at 7:50 p.m. and arrive in Los Angeles at 4:47 p.m. the same day. The new service is consistent with the airline’s previously announced capacity guidance.

United intends to operate the service with three-cabin Boeing 777 aircraft, which offer customers service in United First , United Business and United Economy.

United currently serves Shanghai daily from Chicago and San Francisco. Continental serves Shanghai daily from New York/Newark.