American Airlines and BlackAtlas.com Announce Laz Alonso as New Celebrity Travel Ambassador

FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines, through BlackAtlas.com, is excited to announce actor Laz Alonso as the new travel ambassador of BlackAtlas.com.  Alonso will be introduced at a private launch party and press conference on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012 at the Studio Museum in Harlem.  As travel ambassador for BlackAtlas.com, Alonso will host several travel videos featured on BlackAtlas.com and represent American Airlines and BlackAtlas.com at select events.

The invitation-only event, which takes place at the historic Studio Museum of Harlem, will feature music by jazz band Rakiem Walker Band, celebrity mixer DJ Cosi and – the highlight of the evening – a live musical performance featuring Melanie Fiona. The event will be catered by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem.

"American Airlines is thrilled to welcome Laz Alonso as the new travel ambassador of BlackAtlas.com," said Tim Ahern, American's Vice President − New York & International. "Laz embodies all that BlackAtlas.com is – exciting, savvy, entertaining and refreshing.  I can think of no better place to make this announcement than right here in the vibrant city of New York."

BlackAtlas.com is the first-of-its-kind social travel networking site combining the best features of a travel site with the power of an online social network for travelers to share experiences unique to the black community. Through video, commentary, photos and blogs, BlackAtlas.com registered users can share content across social networks, save content to Favorites, gain access to BlackAtlas.com specials, and link to promotional fares on AA.com. Content is categorized into destination-, city- and category-specific information, including travel tips, restaurants, nightlife, culture, arts and museums, and historic sites.

"I am a longtime fan of American's BlackAtlas.com," said Alonso.  "I'm really excited to begin this journey with BlackAtlas and to take the users of BlackAtlas.com along the road with me as I travel to exciting countries and destinations, both far and near, all with an emphasis on the black experience."

Alonso can next be seen in a leading role in NBC's new drama, "Infamous."  In addition, Laz will also be starring in a leading role in "Battle of the Year: The Dream Team".  In 2011, Laz won a 2012 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his star performance in the hit romantic comedy, "Jumping the Broom."

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Laz graduated from the prestigious Howard University School of Business, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. After college, he worked at an investment banking firm on Wall Street before embarking on a career in acting.  

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle^® and the AmericanConnection^® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,500 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com^®, 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 and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol "AAMRQ" on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

Current AMR Corp. news releases can be accessed at http://www.aa.com

SOURCE American Airlines