I would have thought that UA would apply for more SFO or ORD service before IAD:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060815/cgtu028a.html?.v=1
United Applies for Nonstop Service Between Washington, D.C., and Beijing
Tuesday August 15, 1:00 pm ET
First-Ever, Capital-to-Capital Route Links Political Centers of the United States and China, Strengthens United's Service in the Asia-Pacific Region
CHICAGO, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines today announced it has applied for daily nonstop service between Washington, D.C., and Beijing.* The proposed capital-to-capital service will support better economic and political relations between China and the United States, and will provide United's passenger and cargo customers with nonstop access between two of the world's most prominent capital cities. If approved, the service will begin in March 2007.
"United has long been committed to China," says Glenn F. Tilton, chairman and CEO of United Airlines. "More than 20 years ago, United took steps to enter the China market at a time when no other U.S. carrier would attempt it. Since then, United has steadily built the aviation market between the United States and China. Today, we operate four daily nonstop flights between the two countries benefiting businesses and communities on both sides of the Pacific."
In support of this new route application, Speaker J. Dennis Hastert of the U.S. House of Representatives said in a letter to the Department of Transportation, "Washington, D.C., is the largest metropolitan area in the United States without nonstop air service to China. Capital-to-capital service will support the continuous dialogue that is critically needed between these two governments as China continues to grow in the global economy. More opportunity for interaction between U.S. and Chinese policymakers is needed as we work through the economic and political challenges that face our countries."
Approximately 25 percent of United's capacity currently serves the Asia-Pacific, and United continues to strengthen its commitment to this fast-growing region. In addition to providing customers with service to China, United is also helping develop the Chinese aviation industry. The company was the first U.S. carrier to establish an aviation management exchange/training program at the Civil Aviation University of China in Tianjin. United is also a major sponsor of the Wright Brothers Partnership, which provides training and technical expertise to the Chinese aviation industry.
"United has our enthusiastic support for this service," says James E. Bennett, president and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. "The Washington, D.C., area is the largest China travel market in the United States without any nonstop service to China, and this service is long overdue. The Washington, D.C., region has had the largest job growth in the United States over the past five years. There has been rapid growth in the D.C.-Virginia-Maryland regional economy, and China's economy is extremely dynamic. It is time for capital-to-capital service."
Through its hub in Washington Dulles, United will offer convenient, single connection service between Beijing and cities throughout the eastern half of the United States. Pending government approval, United plans to operate combined passenger and cargo service between Washington, D.C., and Beijing using its Boeing-747 aircraft configured with 14 United First Suite® seats, 73 United Business® seats and 260 United Economy® seats, including 88 Economy Plus® seats.
The Asia-Pacific region is also important to United's cargo division; its business there accounts for approximately 40 percent of the division's total revenue.
* Pending Government Approval
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060815/cgtu028a.html?.v=1