American Airlines Joins Japan Airlines in Sponsoring Honolulu Marathon

HONOLULU, Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines announced today it has become a new sponsoring partner of the Honolulu Marathon.

"American is pleased to join oneworld® and trans-Pacific joint business partner Japan Airlines (JAL) in supporting what is one of the world's finest marathons," said Theo Panagiotoulias, American's Vice President and Managing Director – Asia Pacific. "We believe the marathon offers a unique opportunity for bridging cultures through the spirit of Aloha. It celebrates how our two airlines are working together to deliver world-class service to customers and benefits to our communities."

"JAL is proud to have been a main sponsor for the Honolulu Marathon and through it, contribute to the Hawaiian community for the last 26 years," said Hideo Ninomiya, Executive Officer, Managing Division Route Marketing, Japan Airlines. "This year, we are delighted to have American Airlines join us in supporting this valuable and meaningful sporting event which draws together people from around the world."

"We are thrilled to have American join our Honolulu marathon family. Their sponsorship of the event in conjunction with Japan Airlines helps to further bring different cultures and people together in the celebration known as the Honolulu Marathon," said Marathon President Dr. Jim Barahal.

Hawaii is an important destination for both American and JAL. American has been serving the Hawaiian market since 1970, currently with six flights a day from the U.S. mainland. JAL first flew to Hawaii in 1954 and now operates six daily flights to Honolulu. In celebration of how close the American/JAL partnership has grown, the two airlines have recently co-located at American's award-winning Admirals Club® on the Ewa Concourse at Honolulu International Airport.

American's sponsorship of the Honolulu Marathon means that its partnership with JAL now extends beyond the terminal and through the streets of Honolulu to reach the sandy shores and warm surf of Waikiki.

In the spirit of bridging cultures through Aloha, American and JAL have organized two highlight events for the Honolulu Marathon.

"Sunset on the Beach" – the first event of its kind at the Honolulu Marathon –promises to be an evening for everyone to enjoy. Dec. 10 – the evening before the big run – will find Waikiki Kuhio Beach transformed into a stage for some of the best entertainment and food available on the island. Entertainers include Japanese Taiko drum performers, Kumu Blaine Kamalani Kia and Kalei Kahalewai dancers, the JAL Hula troop, Japanese singer Naoto Inti Raymi, and Hawaiian artists Hapa and Henry Kapono.

If all that performing stirs up an appetite, visitors can head over to the food tent where American's Celebrity Chef Sam Choy will be showcasing the culinary skills that have won him fans on both sides of the Pacific.

"Sunset on the Beach" runs from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

Meanwhile, on Dec. 11 – the day of the race – the airlines will be providing an American/JAL Hospitality Tent, where eligible JAL customers* and AAdvantage members participating in the marathon will have a place to cool down after the run. This is the second consecutive year that American and JAL have co-organized a hospitality tent for their customers.

American offers flights from three cities to Honolulu and also serves Maui, Kauai and Kona from the U.S. mainland.

* Participants who flew on a JAL Group flight to Honolulu using the following fare types are eligible to use the Hospitality Tent: Dynamic Saver, JAL Business Saver, JAL Economy Saver, and JAL Executive Class or Economy Class normal fares.

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 3,300 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 10,000 daily flights to 149 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).

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SOURCE American Airlines