American Airlines eying expansion in China
American Airlines is eying more direct flights to China as it looks to exploit the world’s fastest growth market.
Speaking at a business leaders’ meeting at the Fort Worth Convention Center, American Airlines CEO and chairman Doug Parker talked of adding several more routes in China, including Beijing.
"It’s the largest growth market in the world and is one that American historically hasn’t had a large presence in," he said.
"It’s growing quickly and we know it will be important in the future."
A landmark reciprocal deal between the US and China to offer 10-year multiple entry visas is expected to provide a significant boost to the US tourism economy.
Inbound Chinese tourism is currently a $21 billion industry but the US government expects that to rise to up to $85 billion by 2021.
Parker also said he expects the full integration of American Airlines and US Airways to be finally completed sometime next year.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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