It's interesting to discuss AA's "Asian Strategy". Yes, they've had people looking at Asia for YEARS (at least 25 years that I am aware of). The one key mistake that AA made years ago was NOT buying Pan Am's Pacific Division. They were offered it first and turned it down because of the need to take PA employees and aircraft. AA also thought that open skies in Asia would happen much more quickly than it has.

Nobody seems to realize that there are still limitations on route authorities and airport slot/gate availabilities that severely hinder AA's ability to expand in Asia. In addition, DL (pre-merger) learned years ago with all the routes from PDX that you don't just enter Asia. You have to cultivate and bribe the travel agents and tour operators. Yes, things have changed slightly with the internet, but travel agents still rule the Asian empire.