THE US Department of Transportation (DOT) has indicated that United Airlines should have the right to fly daily from Washington to Beijing.

If the move is finalised, the new, non-stop service would operate between Dulles International Airport and China Peking Capital Airport, starting from March 25.

The selection was made from a choice of four rival airlines which have been bidding to operate seven weekly flights between the two countries.

In coming to this tentative decision, the DOT assessed that United's proposed service from Washington to Beijing would potentially benefit the greatest number of passengers, a statement from the US authorities said.

Interested parties have 14 days to file objections to the decision.

Also applying for the daily service were American Airlines, which sought to fly between Dallas/Fort Worth and Beijing; Continental Airlines had applied for service between Newark, New Jersey and Shanghai; and Northwest Airlines applied for Detroit-Shanghai service.

Towards the end of the selection proceeding, American sought to change its proposal to add a stop in Chicago before continuing to Beijing. US transport officials subsequently denied American's motion, saying that any amendment this late in the proceeding would significantly delay the start of any new service.