American Airlines And Startup America Partnership Launch Second Annual "Flights.Camera.Action." Contest

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines is teaming up with Startup America Partnership to launch the second annual "Flights.Camera.Action." contest to support the growth of small- and medium-size businesses. Eligible businesses are encouraged to submit videos explaining how air travel facilitates important connections for their company through in-person meetings, onboard technology and Wi-Fi; as well as connections made through the travel experience. Video entries can be submitted at www.AA.com/FlightsCameraAction.

To enter the contest, which runs from July 17 through Aug. 10, 2012, companies are encouraged to submit a one-minute video explaining the importance of connections made through air travel on the contest website. The first 400 businesses to enter the contest through the website, and in compliance with the Official Rules, will receive 300 American Airlines Business ExtrAA® bonus points, equivalent to an Admirals Club® One Day Pass. Terms and Conditions apply.

The top nine videos from each of the three contest categories will be displayed on the contest site for public voting from Aug. 28 through Sept. 14, 2012. Each of these 27 entrants will receive 10,000 Business ExtrAA points for their business, redeemable for up to five domestic round-trip Plan AAhead® award Economy Class tickets. The three distinct categories for entry include:

• Startups – companies with two to 500 employees that have been in operation for less than five years.
• Established businesses – companies with two to 500 employees that have been in operation for five or more years.
• Nonprofits – 501(c)(3) organizations with two to 500 employees with any operational term.

The top three videos from each category, as selected by public vote – for a total of nine finalists – will earn 20,000 Business ExtrAA points for their business, redeemable for up to 10 domestic round-trip Plan AAhead® award Economy Class tickets, and two complimentary admission tickets to the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony in Phoenix, where the Grand Prize Winner will be announced.

The First Place Winners from each category, as selected by a panel of judges – for a total of three winners – will receive an additional 30,000 Business ExtrAA points for a total of 60,000 Business ExtrAA points (the equivalent of 30 domestic round-trip Plan AAhead® award Economy Class tickets). They will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony, including exclusive networking opportunities with iconic startup leaders and various entrepreneurs, and an Admirals Club annual membership for up to two employees.

The Grand Prize winner will receive an additional 100,000 Business ExtrAA points – equivalent to 50 round-trip Economy Class tickets, AAdvantage® Gold status for up to two employees for one year and exposure in a variety of American Airlines media channels including an inflight video and a feature in the American Way magazine.

"American understands the importance of keeping our customers connected throughout the travel experience, especially businesses that rely heavily on air travel to succeed," said Derek DeCross, American's Vice President – Global Sales. "We're excited to work with Startup America Partnership to boost entrepreneurs in their business efforts given their importance to the U.S. economy."

"The American economy is driven by startups – young, high-growth companies that are the number one job creators," said Scott Case, CEO, Startup America Partnership. "Travel is a critical component to these companies – it provides the opportunities to make connections with customers and investors that can be game changing. Our partnership with American Airlines, and the "Flights.Camera.Action." contest, highlights the amazing startups around the country and provides them with a unique opportunity to grow faster."

Startup America Partnership is dedicated to bringing together startups and local champions from around the country and focuses on creating successful networks for young, high-growth companies to succeed. American offers travel programs specifically designed to benefit small- and medium size businesses, such as Business ExtrAA and the American Airlines Business Suite™ that includes the AAirpass® program, which offers discounted fares on last-minute travel with immediate VIP benefits. Other programs include a cash-rebate credit card and discounts for group travel, and there is no cost to join. American's relationship with Startup America is intended to provide additional value in the form of travel to hundreds of participating small- and medium size businesses.

For more information about the American Airlines suite of business products, visit www.AA.com/Business. For more information on the "Flights.Camera.Action." contest, visit www.AA.com/FlightsCameraAction.

Terms and Conditions
*All award ticket counts are based on Economy Plan AAhead ® award valid for the Continental U.S., Canada and Mexico. All taxes and fees, including reservation fees, assessed at the time of ticketing are the responsibility of the passenger.

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.

About The Startup America Partnership
The Startup America Partnership is a growing national movement of thousands of funders, experts and resources providing startups access to the corporations, investors, and services they need to grow. Launched at the White House in early 2011, the Partnership brings together startups and local champions from around the country focused on creating successful networks for young, high-growth companies to thrive. AOL co-founder Steve Case chairs the Partnership and the Kauffman and Case Foundations are its founding partners. American Airlines, American Express OPEN, Dell Inc., Intuit Inc., Microsoft and NYSE Euronext are corporate sponsors. For more information on the Partnership, visit www.s.co and follow us @startupamerica and www.facebook.com/startupamerica.

SOURCE American Airlines