American Eagle Airlines Announces Nonstop Jet Service Between Chicago O'Hare and Tri-Cities, Tenn.

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, will begin nonstop jet service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) beginning July 2.  The Tri-Cities airport is centrally located between the cities of Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City, Tenn., and serves the communities of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. Eagle will operate the service with 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jets.

"American Airlines was the first carrier to operate at Tri-Cities Regional Airport, launching service Sept. 1, 1937, and we are delighted to bring the American brand back, with service to the Tri-Cities area from our hub in Chicago," said Gary Foss, Vice President – Planning and Marketing for the AA Regional Network. "From the Birthplace of Country Music to NASCAR racing at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the Tri-Cities area has a tremendous amount to offer.  With these new flights to Chicago – one of American's premier international gateways – local business travelers will have convenient connections to the West Coast as well as destinations throughout American's global network."

Known as 'America's First Frontier,' the Tri-Cities area also boasts numerous historic sites and a rich heritage forged by America's first settlers.

"American Eagle's new commercial airline service in Tri-Cities will bring even more business to East Tennessee," said U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). "This connection to a big commercial center like Chicago makes sense and will help create jobs and grow the economy in the region."

"New air service from the Tri-Cities to Chicago will be a big plus for the region and the local economy," said U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.).

"I am pleased that American Airlines will now offer direct flights from Tri-Cities Regional Airport to Chicago," said Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.).  "This new opportunity will directly impact accessibility, strengthen our economy, and influence development."

"The Airport Commission is pleased to be able to work with American Airlines on providing direct service to their Chicago O'Hare hub from Tri-Cities Regional Airport," said Ken Maness, Chairman, Tri-Cities Airport Commission. "The connections available in Chicago will give travelers many new opportunities for national and international destinations."

The schedule for flights between Chicago and Tri-Cities, Tenn., (all times local) is:

Chicago O'Hare to Tri-Cities (ORD-TRI)

Tri-Cities to Chicago O'Hare (TRI-ORD)

*Flight begins July 3, 2010

About American Eagle

American Eagle operates over 1,500 daily flights to nearly 160 cities throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean on behalf of American Airlines. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines 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 more than 700 destinations in over 140 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).

SOURCE American Eagle Airlines