NEW YORK, April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Customers of American Airlines and its oneworld® partners can now enjoy new and enhanced service between the East Coast and the European cities of Budapest, Hungary, as well as Barcelona and Madrid, Spain.

The new service is part of a series of recent and upcoming additional flights, as well as improved schedules, between the United States and global destinations that are being delivered by American and its fellow oneworld partners British Airways and Iberia.

"These new routes from the East Coast offer the traveling public greater scope, increased choices, and the improved ability to earn and redeem AAdvantage® miles, thanks to our enhanced relationship with our oneworld partners – British Airways and Iberia," said Art Torno, American's Vice President – New York. "Today's international travelers demand convenience and great service between the East Coast and Europe, and our new routes, flights and schedule demonstrate that we are delivering for them."

"American Airlines new service will provide New Yorkers and global travelers with more convenience and travel options between New York and Europe," said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). "New York City remains a vibrant tourist destination and I hope this expanded service will draw even more international visitors to our great city."

American's new service includes the following:

• New daily nonstop service from John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport to Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, Hungary, beginning April 5
• Expanded service from JFK to Barcelona's El Prat Airport from seven to 11 nonstop flights per week beginning April 6
• Increased service from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Madrid's Barajas Airport from 7 to 13 nonstop flights per week beginning on April 6

Iberia launched new nonstop service between Miami and Barcelona three days per week on March 29.

The expanded service follows the news that American and its oneworld partners – British Airways and Iberia – have, for the first time ever, coordinated their schedules for flights across the North Atlantic. The newly aligned schedule, which took effect March 27, offers customers 15 daily flights between New York and London. American passengers arriving in London can also make connections to nearly 50 European flights cities through oneworld partner British Airways.

American Airlines and its regional affiliate American Eagle now have an average of 236 daily flights, strengthening its New York cornerstone market to 63 destinations – including cities throughout Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and North America.

From Miami, another cornerstone market, American and American Eagle operate an average of 297 flights to 108 destinations including cities throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and North America.

American's new flight AA158 from JFK to Budapest will depart at 6:40 p.m. and arrive in Budapest at 9:30 a.m. the following day using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 225 seats, 30 Business Class and 195 Economy Class. The return flight AA159 will depart from Budapest at 11:55 a.m., arriving at JFK at 3:35 p.m. American has teamed up with oneworld partner, Malev, to schedule these new flights so that customers can make easy connections at American's JFK hub and Malev's Budapest hub. For more information, visit www.aa.com/Budapest.

Through June 30, American Airlines passengers who fly round-trip between JFK and Budapest can earn 15,000 AAdvantage bonus miles for travel in Business Class, 10,000 bonus miles for full-fare Economy Class. Register prior to travel using promotion code NYBUD and obtain complete details at www.aa.com/moreeurope.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city rich in history and culture. It is divided by the River Danube, which flows through the center of the city. Visitors to Budapest can enjoy its magnificent array of castles, museums, churches, restaurants, and its dozen spas, fed by 100 natural warm springs.

"There's a lot of excitement about the new, daily American Airlines flight from JFK to Budapest," said New York Consul General for Hungary, Ambassador Karoly Dan. "Budapest has been a cultural and financial center in the region and a prime location for conferences, which has been highlighted during the country's current Presidency of the European Union. Our city is one of the most scenic and romantic locations in the world, has great traditions that coexist with its history of modernism, and we are proud of our hospitality. Hungarians, along with the citizens of most neighboring countries, will be pleased with the convenience this new flight offers them to visit New York and other destinations in the United States."

Iberia's new service from Barcelona to Miami operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Flight 6127 departs from Barcelona at 1:30 p.m. and arrives at Miami International Airport at 6:10 p.m. The return Flight 6126 departs from Miami at 7:45 p.m. and arrives at Barcelona 11:00 a.m. the following day.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn double miles every time they fly this new route on Iberia. Customers need to register prior to travel using promotion code IBBCN at www.aa.com/offers.

Barcelona is a large business center located on the Mediterranean Sea. With more than 6 million people who live in the area, Barcelona is responsible for more than 20 percent of Spain's Gross Domestic Product. The nearby Mediterranean beaches also make it a popular leisure and cruise destination, as does its tradition of fine architecture and artwork.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 50 countries with, on average, more than 3,600 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 serve approximately 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 145 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. (NYSE: AMR).

About Iberia

Iberia is Spain's largest air transport group and, after its merger with British Airways in January 2011, it has become the third-largest in Europe and the sixth one in the world in terms of revenues. It is also the leading airline on routes between Europe and Latin America, with the most flights and destinations. Iberia's business, conducted without interruption for more than 80 years, is focused on three main activities: transport of passengers and cargo, aircraft maintenance, and handling services in airports. In addition, the company is distinguished by its service to society. It is one of only two airlines to be included in the worldwide Dow Jones Stoxx index, which recognises companies with the best economic, social, and environmental practices. Iberia is also a founding member of oneworld, the alliance of airlines around the globe, which together serves some 700 destinations, and offers the best connections.

About British Airways

British Airways is the UK's largest international scheduled airline. It flies its customers at convenient times to the best located airports across the world. It is one of the world's leading global premium airlines and its principal place of business is London with significant presence at Heathrow, Gatwick and London City.  British Airways also operates a worldwide air cargo business, largely in conjunction with its scheduled passenger services.

The airline operates one of the most extensive international scheduled airline route networks and, together with its codeshare and franchise partners, flies to more than 300 destinations worldwide. In 2009/10, it carried nearly 32 million passengers.

In 2009/10, it earned 8 billion pounds Sterling in revenue, down 11 per cent on the previous year. Passenger traffic accounted for 87 per cent of this revenue, while 7 per cent came from cargo and 6 per cent from other activities. The airline carried 760,000 tons of cargo to destinations in Europe, the Americas and throughout the world. At the end of March 2010, British Airways operated 238 aircraft in its fleet. British Airways is also a founding member of oneworld, the alliance of airlines around the globe, which together serves some 700 destinations, and offers the best connections. Whether customers are in the air or on the ground, British Airways takes pride in providing a full service experience.

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The address is http://www.aa.com

SOURCE American Airlines