American Airlines And United Negro College Fund Launch Gift Card To Help Today's Students Become Tomorrow's Leaders

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines, in partnership with The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), announces the launch of the travel industry's first gift card that supports education. When an American Airlines UNCF Gift Card is purchased, $5 of every $50 will be contributed to UNCF through May 1, 2013.

The weak U.S. economy continues to impact students' ability to earn money for college. In fact, 95 percent of students who receive support from UNCF need financial aid. American is offering travelers the opportunity to support UNCF in its mission of getting minority students to and through college.

"American Airlines is deeply committed to supporting children, education, and diversity and inclusion in the communities we serve," said David Campbell, American's Vice President – Safety, Security and Environmental. "Financial pressure is one of the key reasons students do not graduate. We are proud to engage our customers with this virtual gift card for travel to create a new source of donations that will make it possible for talented and deserving students to become college graduates."

UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax said, "Today's students are tomorrow's leaders, and we are extremely pleased with this expansion of our long-standing relationship with American Airlines. At present, 60 percent of students who receive UNCF support come from families with annual incomes of less than $30,000, and more than 50 percent of students at UNCF colleges are the first in their families to attend college. The American Airlines UNCF Gift Card is expected to generate donations and play a key role in empowering minority students economically through educational advancement."

American has supported UNCF for more than 30 years as part of its long-term commitment to corporate responsibility through event sponsorships including the UNCF "An Evening of Stars" entertainment special, employee volunteerism and workplace giving, and through its African-American Employee Resource Group's (AAERG's) fundraising efforts. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the AAERG raised approximately $10,000 in a two-week emergency funding campaign.

American Airlines UNCF Gift Cards are available in denominations from $50 to $1,500 and can be applied toward the purchase of any American Airlines, American Eagle® or AmericanConnection® published fare, or any oneworld® partner or codeshare flight designated as American Airlines. Unlike many gift cards, there is no expiration date.

To purchase gift cards and support UNCF, please visit www.AA.com/GiftCard. When completing payment information, enter "UNCF" in the tracking code box for the donation to be made. Customers can purchase a virtual card and have it delivered via email with a personal message. Up to eight gift cards can be used at one time toward the purchase of airfare to destinations around the world.

The American Airlines UNCF Gift Card is the latest addition to the American Airlines Kids in Need program. The American Airlines Kids in Need(SM) program provides worldwide support for children and their families, as well as for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children. Beneficiaries of the program include individuals and organizations with needs related to medical, educational and social concerns, and/or causes that heighten public awareness of children's issues. To learn more about how to participate with American to support worthy causes, visit www.AA.com/JoinUs.

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 UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 38 private member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of college readiness and minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at www.UNCF.org.

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

SOURCE American Airlines