American Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Los Angeles International Airport And Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines today launched new daily nonstop two-class Boeing 757 service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Stars of the CBS television show "NCIS" and the Disney Pixar film "Brave," along with World War II veterans, helped inaugurate the first flight from Los Angeles to Washington.

"We are thrilled to begin nonstop service between Los Angeles and the Nation's Capital," said Will Ris, American's Senior Vice President – Government and Regulatory Affairs. "Reagan National's proximity to federal government offices, national monuments and popular tourist attractions will make American's new flight highly convenient for West Coast customers when flying for business or pleasure. Conversely, D.C.-area residents now have more travel options from both Reagan National and Washington Dulles International Airport to use when traveling to our nation's second-largest city. We thank members of Congress and President Obama for helping to make this flight possible by passing and signing legislation that eased flight restrictions at Reagan National."

The new flight to Reagan National complements American's three existing daily round-trip flights between Washington Dulles International Airport and Southern California.

Onboard Amenities

The new flight will feature American's Boeing 757 aircraft with 22 First Class and 166 Main Cabin seats. As part of American's fleet renewal effort, the airline is currently upgrading its Boeing 757 aircraft used on domestic routes to add style and comfort. Modifications include new Main Cabin and First Class seats, new sidewalls that give the interior a lighter and brighter look, and new LCD monitors to enhance inflight entertainment viewing.

DCA – LAX Schedule

Honoring Our Military Heroes

Actors Brian Dietzen, who plays "Jimmy Palmer" on the hit television drama series "NCIS," and John Ratzenberger, who played "Cliff Clavin" on the award-winning sitcom "Cheers" – and who has voiced a character in each of Disney Pixar's feature films, including the upcoming "Brave" – helped welcome a very special group of American heroes as the first customers on the inaugural flight.

Nine World War II veterans from the Los Angeles area traveled on the inaugural flight in conjunction with American's relationship with the Honor Flight Network. These distinguished veterans will receive a VIP tour of the World War II Memorial that is dedicated to their bravery and will visit other monuments that honor our veterans and members of the armed services. Dietzen and Ratzenberger spent time with these heroes on the transcontinental flight.

American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, has a long history of supporting the U.S. armed forces and our veterans. With more than 60 percent of American's pilots and 10 percent of all American and American Eagle® employees serving as active military or veterans, the company places a strong emphasis on its military and veterans initiatives, including offering special military fares, supporting nonprofit organizations, providing employee-funded sponsorships at a wide variety of events, and participating in activities at the local, state and national levels.

Flagship Check-in at LAX

Recently, American introduced Flagship Check-in at LAX, an exclusive check-in area for the airline's high-value customers. Flagship Check-in offers an exclusive entrance leading to a separate facility with counters staffed by customer service representatives who can personally assist with individual travel needs. To further expedite the travel process, customers also receive immediate access to a designated separate security line, offering easy access through security checkpoints. In addition to Flagship Check-in, American has completely transformed the Terminal 4 lobby at LAX with its self-service kiosks managed by nearby American agents. Luggage is now taken at the self-service kiosks, which allows travelers to have a true "one-stop" check-in experience with a direct line to the security checkpoint.

American Airlines at LAX

LAX is one of American's five hub markets and one of the top five markets in the world for premium customers. LAX serves as American's and the oneworld® alliance's gateway to the Pacific, Asia and beyond, connecting customers to their international destinations around the world. Together, American and American Eagle fly more than 9.5 million customers annually through LAX on more than 150 daily flights to 42 destinations throughout Asia, Mexico, Europe and North America. American accounts for 15 percent of all traffic at the airport. Six of American's oneworld partners serve LAX – British Airways, Japan Airlines, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, LAN and Qantas. American also operates joint business agreements with Japan Airlines, Qantas, British Airways and Iberia Airlines that provide customers with more price and schedule flexibility to more destinations throughout Asia, Australia and Europe.

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.

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

SOURCE American Airlines