American Airlines Gains Support For Bid to Fly From Los Angeles and Chicago to Sao Paulo

Thousands of Employees, Civic, Corporate and Government Officials Send Support Letters to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines today informed the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that it has wide, impressive support for its proposal to fly from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo starting Nov. 21, and from Chicago to Sao Paulo next year, pending government approval.

“We wholeheartedly thank the organizations and civic, commercial and elected leaders who sent letters on our behalf to DOT,” said Will Ris, American’s Senior Vice President – Government and Regulatory Affairs. “We particularly appreciate the support provided by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and members of the greater Los Angeles area congressional delegation, as well as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and members of the Illinois congressional delegation.

“American intends to make Los Angeles, which currently has no daily nonstop service to Brazil by a U.S. carrier, a new U.S. gateway to Brazil. This new service will provide substantial public benefits in Southern California,” Ris added. “Additionally, American’s desire to introduce intra-gateway competition at Chicago would offer easy connections to 77 cities.”

In a filing with DOT, American submitted letters indicating support from more than 2,000 employees in California and Illinois, from civic and corporate leaders, tourism officials, and elected officials. Here are some excerpts from the letters of support:

“Although American Airlines already maintains a robust international network hub from LAX to points in China, Japan, Europe, Mexico, and Canada, it is important to note that Los Angeles-Sao Paulo is the largest U.S.-Sao Paulo market without daily nonstop service.  Once approved, this new route will provide our constituents who live and work in the nation’s second largest city with critical nonstop access to one of the most populous cities in the world.”

“In the spirit of competition, we believe that American’s proposed Chicago-Sao Paulo nonstop service will benefit the public by providing increased options for consumers in both the local and connecting markets.”

“This proposed expansion of airline connections between the U.S. and Brazil also should benefit business relations and economic growth in both countries.”

“I write in strong support of American Airlines’ application…this proposed service …would not only provide significant consumer benefits to the traveling public in the Chicago area but also generate consumer benefits for passengers in numerous cities and regions in the United States.”

“I support American’s continued strong presence in Brazil and want to see our airline of choice be given more opportunities to serve our customers in the Midwest and on the West Coast.”

“With important events like the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games upcoming in Brazil, it is even more critical that American receive approval to fly from Chicago and Sao Paulo.”

“We believe it is important that American be given the approval to fly from our nation’s second largest city to the largest city in Brazil.”

American will operate these new flights to Brazil using 247-seat Boeing 777 aircraft, pending government approval. 

About American Airlines
American Airlines focuses on providing an exceptional travel experience across the globe, serving more than 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories. American’s fleet of nearly 900 aircraft fly more than 3,500 daily flights worldwide from hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. American flies to nearly 100 international locations including important markets such as London, Madrid, Sao Paulo and Tokyo. With more than 500 new planes scheduled to join the fleet, including continued deliveries of the Boeing 737 family of aircraft and new additions such as the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, American is building toward the youngest and most modern fleet among major U.S. carriers. American’s website, aa.com®, provides customers with easy access to check and book fares, and personalized news, information and travel offers. American’s AAdvantage® program, voted Airline Program of the Year at the 2013 Freddie Awards, lets members earn miles for travel and everyday purchases and redeem miles for flights to almost 950 destinations worldwide, as well as flight upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and other retail products. The airline also offers nearly 40 Admirals Club® locations worldwide providing comfort, convenience, and an environment with a full range of services making it easy for customers to stay productive without interruption. American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest airlines in the world, including global brands like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia Airlines, Japan Airlines, LAN and Qantas. Together, its members serve more than 840 destinations served by some 9,000 daily flights to nearly 160 countries and territories. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir or Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.