American Airlines said Monday its nonstop service from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Beijing will begin with four weekly flights, starting on May 25.
On May 27, American will initiate the same number of nonstop flights from Beijing to Chicago. American will offer daily departures from both cities starting July 3.
The route was initially scheduled to begin service on April 26, but American complained that the takeoff and landing times allowed by China were not favorable to the airline. Chinese aviation officials originally offered American a 2:20 a.m. arrival time and 4:20 a.m. departure from Beijing.
Under the new schedule, a flight will leave Chicago on Fridays and Sundays at 8:30 p.m. and arrive at 11 p.m. local time the next day in Beijing. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, flights will leave at 9:30 p.m. and arrive at 11:59 p.m.
From Beijing to Chicago, flights will depart at 7:59 a.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and arrive at 7:49 a.m. local time the same day. On Tuesday, the flight will leave at 6:59 a.m. and arrive at 6:49 a.m. Chicago time.
American spokeswoman Mary Frances Fagan said the airline will continue to work with Chinese aviation officials to get better takeoff and landing times.