American Airlines Employees Aid Veterans, Troops Through Fuel Conservation Efforts

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines announced today it will provide a portion of fuel savings generated by employees to Mercy Medical Airlift, an established not-for-profit organization that helps active military service members, veterans, and their immediate families travel for medical, counseling and diverse rehabilitation services through its Air Compassion for Veterans program.

Employees at American first recognized the need for this partnership from First Officer Tom Marquardt, an American Airlines New York LaGuardia Airport-based pilot and a Major in the Air Force Reserve. Following a combat mission, Major Marquardt had his leg amputated. After the surgery, performed at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Marquardt had to make several additional trips to San Antonio for physical therapy, and back to his home and family in Cherry Hill, N.J.

"After talking with some of my colleagues, it occurred to us that many others had more difficult situations," Marquardt said. "I never expected that those discussions would be the catalyst to help other soldiers and families in situations just like mine."

The American Airlines Veterans Initiatives program has supported Mercy Medical Airlift's Air Compassion for Veterans program since the beginning of the year by helping to arrange travel on American and American Eagle. The initiative is being expanded through a partnership with American's Fuel Smart program, an employee-driven fuel conservation effort. Through their fuel conservation efforts, all employees can now assist those who have served or currently serve in the United States military when they need access to the medical attention they deserve.

"American's Fuel Smart and Veterans Initiatives teams realized that a partnership with Mercy Medical Airlift/Air Compassion for Veterans would not only benefit the service members, but also encourage American's employees to take the extra step to conserve fuel for a worthy cause," said Jon Snook, American's Vice President – Operations, Planning and Performance. "Our employees are proud to show their appreciation by giving back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country."

Fuel Smart and American's Veterans Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG) officially kicked off American's support of this initiative with a $100,000 grant at a Mercy Medical Luncheon in Washington, D.C., in March 2010, with additional support to continue based on the on-going success of the Fuel Smart program.

"We are grateful that American Airlines and its employees share our enthusiasm for this honorable cause," said Ed Boyer, President/CEO of Mercy Medical Airlift. "This ongoing commitment to military and veterans programs will make sure that our partnership makes a meaningful difference for those who help ensure our freedom."

The success of this partnership depends on employee involvement in American's Fuel Smart program, which aims to reach an annual fuel savings of 120 million gallons and a reduction of 2.5 billion pounds of carbon emissions in 2010.

The employee-led program works across all departments to identify fuel savings opportunities and make them a part of daily routines. Several key programs will drive donations and help improve fuel efficiency, including:

• Pilots reducing fuel burn by using a single engine to taxi in and out of gates when possible.
• Airport and flight crews working together to quickly connect ground power and pre-conditioned air hoses to planes in place of the aircraft auxiliary power when they arrive at the terminal.
• Dispatchers and flight crews using all available planning tools, procedures and expertise to safely plan the fuel load for flights without carrying excess fuel.

American Airlines has a long history of supporting our armed forces and veterans. With more than 60 percent of American's pilots and 10 percent of all American and American Eagle Airlines employees serving as active military or veterans, the company places a strong emphasis on its military and veterans initiatives. American supports members of the military, veterans and their families in their communities, as well as when they travel, including special military airfares, support of non-profit organizations, and employee engagement in a wide variety of events and activities.

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 Web site, 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 nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 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 registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

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SOURCE American Airlines