You'd be correct if we were talking about DFW-PEK, but AA already has frequencies to fly ORD-PEK and that does not require a duty day in excess of the current contract. DFW-PEK required a waiver, to which APA would not agree. That's why AA asked to amend the earlier application to DFW-ORD-PEK, but DoT denied the request. The following year, AA won the right to fly ORD-PEK.
AA's ORD-PEK begins May 1, 2010. FA Mikey was talking about starting it earlier if AA really wanted to fly to PEK today.
