DL/AA Spat Over LAX- PEK Route Proposal

Objections and responses are flowing into the DOT from both Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) and American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL).

In mid-November 2016 the DOT awarded a coveted LAX - PEK route to American. Delta responded to the DOT tentative decision shortly before Thanksgiving.


In its objection to the decision, available on the regulations.gov website, Delta points out its commitment to the LAX. In the next few years, Delta plans to invest over one billion dollars to renovate terminals two and three and will invest $229 million to renovate terminal five. These investments are part of Delta’s strategy to improve its presence at LAX and increase competition on domestic routes to and from LAX.


Delta argues that its proposed LAX - PEK route would provide 1,460 more round-trip seats annually than American’s proposed route. Delta also claims this gap could widen since American has historically over-promised and under-delivered on its U.S.-China routes. Delta asks the DOT to require American Airlines to maintain its promised service. In the event that American does not meet its promises, Delta requests back-up service.