American Airlines, the world's largest carrier, is planning a daily service between Shanghai and Chicago from May next year.

　　If approved, the service will mark the airline's entrance into China's mainland. The airline has applied to the US Department of Transport for permission to launch the service, provided by three-class Boeing 777 aircraft.

　　"We are always seeking the opportunities for entering China's market," Gerard Arpey, chief executive of the carrier, said in a statement.

　　"Since the reopening of the US-China aviation market more than 20 years ago, only two US carriers have had the authority to serve China."

　　American Airlines is a strong US carrier to compete against United Airlines and Northwest Airlines, Arpey said in the statement.

　　Shanghai will be the 19th international destination served by the carrier from Chicago, complementing its five routes between the US and its other Asian destination - Tokyo.

　　From Shanghai, the airline will offer connections to several cities within China's mainland through its partnership with China Eastern Airlines.