American Airlines Selects ITA Software for Next-Generation Availability Engine

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines took another step today in implementing its technology vision and commitment to broad fare availability by expanding its pricing and shopping relationship with ITA Software to include an airline availability engine and customer product selection capability. This effort is the continuance of the company's focus on enhancing its customers' travel experiences by offering products and services that can be customized and distributed through a wide range of distribution channels. The new availability engine will provide inventory, pricing and shopping visibility, and will manage the various product and service choices customers want to consider as they customize their travel experience.

"American has steadily built its relationship with ITA because we align in key areas such as vision, leadership and innovation," said Monte Ford, Senior Vice President, Technology and Chief Information Officer – American Airlines. "The availability engine will serve as a hub for pricing, , shopping and customization of American Airlines products and services. This technology lays the groundwork for the future of travel – with customized travel options as well as access to these options through every channel."

"This decision will usher in a new era of travel options and services for our customers, who are at the center of every decision we make," said Virasb Vahidi, Chief Commercial Officer – American Airlines. "We are focused on the future of travel, including choices for our customers as well as the broad and effective distribution of our products and services through all of our distribution channels – from AA.com to American's reservations, BusinessExtrAA program, Global Distribution Systems, travel search engines, and traditional and online travel agencies for corporate and leisure travelers."

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning AA.com® website provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 750 destinations in nearly 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

SOURCE American Airlines