DALLAS -- American Airlines says it will start new international routes next year, seeking to capitalize on growth in international travel, especially among high-fare corporate travelers.
American, which is operating under bankruptcy protection, said Wednesday that the new flights were part of its plan to increase international service to its five major U.S. hubs.
The airline is trying to show that it can grow on its own, while US Airways is pushing for a merger as the only way for both companies to compete against larger United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
American, which is owned by AMR Corp., says it will begin selling tickets for the new flights on Nov. 4.
The new international routes:
_ Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Lima, Peru, beginning April 2. American already flies between Miami and Lima.
_ DFW to Seoul, beginning May 9.
_ Chicago to Dusseldorf, Germany, starting April 11.
_ New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Dublin, starting June 12.
AMR's chief commercial officer, Virasb Vahidi, said the routes should appeal to business travelers and strengthen ties with partner airlines such as Japan Airlines and British Airways.
American will also add domestic flights using regional jets that are smaller than the planes typically operated by American. Those routes, starting Feb. 14, will include:
_ DFW and Chicago's O'Hare Airport to Columbia, Mo.
_ DFW to Beaumont, Texas.
_ DFW to Fargo, N.D. American currently flies to Fargo from O'Hare.