American Airlines Statement On President Obama's National Travel And Tourism Strategy

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May 22, 2014, 11:16 ET

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines applauds the initiatives announced today by President Obama to promote travel and tourism to the United States. As the President emphasized, the economic benefits of tourism are substantial and far-reaching. This is a very important and timely effort.

"We are particularly pleased about the firm commitment by the Administration to cut down the growing delays for airline passengers entering the country," said Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines. "We have been asked to participate in the public-private initiative announced today to explore all means of expediting processing of travelers at our gateways and will enthusiastically do so."

American will urge that the highest priority be given to the gateways with the longest waiting times, particularly where the mix of traffic is heavily weighted to non-U.S. citizens who are not able to use automation and often require more time to process.

About American Airlines Group

American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) is the holding company for American Airlines and US Airways. Together with wholly owned and third-party regional carriers operating as American Eagle and US Airways Express, the airlines operate an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to 339 destinations in 54 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. The American Airlines AAdvantage and US Airways Dividend Miles programs allow members to earn miles for travel, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and everyday purchases. Members of both programs can redeem miles for tickets as well as upgrades to First Class and Business Class. In addition, AAdvantage members can redeem miles for vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and retail products. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines and follow US Airways on Twitter @USAirways and at Facebook.com/USAirways.