Numerous American Airlines aircraft at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in 2005 (Wikimedia)

Effective summer of 2014, American Airlines will be flying direct to China from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Announcing the development on Wednesday, the airline company said the daily non-stop flights will service passengers from Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flights to Shanghai's Pudong International Airport will use the 777-200 widebody, while those bound for Hong Kong International will use the newly introduced 777-300ER.

Touted as China's largest city, Shanghai's population is currently placed at more than 21 million, while Hong Kong, a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, has about 7 million people.

The additional flights will enable American Airline to compete effectively against United and Delta airlines, which has more flights to Asia.

"Today's news underscores our commitment to strengthen American's global network in the most important markets around the world," Tom Horton, chairman and CEO of American Airlines, said in a statement.

"This is just another example of how we're taking a fresh look at everything we do to provide what our customers value most - from new planes, products and services, to new destinations around the world. Simply put, we're building an even stronger foundation to succeed in our pending merger with US Airways."

Aerial view of DFW (Wikimedia)

Mike Rawlings, mayor of Dallas, and Betsy Price, Fort Worth mayor, expect the development will translate to $360 million additional boost for the region.

"It pays off for the whole region," Ms Price said. "D/FW Airport is the largest economic engine in the whole region and this will add to that base."

"We've been working hard on building our international relationships, and our work continues to pay off for North Texas," she added.

"Today's news is great for the Metroplex and a landmark development for the state of Texas, whose residents will have direct access to Hong Kong and Shanghai for the first time in our history. The Asian market is ripe for Texas business and tourists alike."

American Airlines currently connects passengers to Hong Kong from the Los Angeles International and Chicago O'Hare.