LOS ANGELES, Jan. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coming Summer 2016, American Airlines is expanding its leading role at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) by offering more nonstop flights to more destinations than any other carrier. American’s legacy in Los Angeles began 60 years ago. Today that commitment deepens through new flights, unprecedented engagement with the entertainment industry, more jobs for the region and a greater commitment to the community around the greater Los Angeles area.
An infographic accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...d5c11180e2
"American serves more customers than any other airline at LAX. Our partnerships with the community underscore our commitment to this city – which is a vital part of our global network,” said Andrew Nocella, chief marketing officer for American Airlines. “We’re adding new flights and additional team members and investing in the community because it’s home to more than 5,000 American Airlines employees and millions of customers.”
“Los Angeles is America’s gateway to the world: More travelers passed through LAX in 2015 than ever before, and we’re investing billions to modernize the airport,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “LAX is well-positioned for greater growth, and I am pleased that American Airlines is helping to expand our global reach — by adding more flights, broadening its range of service out of L.A., and bringing even more visitors to our great city in the years to come.”
More Access to More Destinations
American is building two new gates at LAX to support more than 20 new daily flights to nine new year-round and seasonal destinations and added frequencies to existing destinations. When the flights begin June 2, American will operate more than 220 daily flights at LAX with service to more than 70 destinations around the world.
New service from LAX includes:
| Daily Destinations | |||
| Seattle (SEA) | 5x Daily | ||
| Portland, Oregon (PDX) | 3x Daily | ||
| Minneapolis/Saint Paul (MSP) | 2x Daily | ||
| New Orleans (MSY) | Daily | ||
| Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) | Daily | ||
| Omaha, Nebraska (OMA) | Daily | ||
| Hartford, Connecticut (BDL) | Daily | ||
| Seasonal Destinations | |||
| Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) | Daily | ||
| Durango, Colorado (DRO) | Weekend | ||
| Summer Schedules | |||
| Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC) | Daily | ||
| Montrose, Colorado (MTJ) | Weekend | ||
| Vail/Eagle, Colorado (EGE) | Weekend | ||
As previously announced, this year American will inaugurate new international service from LAX to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) in February and Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) in June. In 2015, American added new flights from LAX to Sydney (SYD); Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ); and Mexico City (MEX), as well as charter service to Havana (HAV). American continues to be the only carrier with true three-class transcontinental service from LAX to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
As the leading airline with the most daily flights in Los Angeles, American brings more customers direct access to Los Angeles as both a premier business and tourist destination.
More Jobs for LAX
With the addition of these new routes and added gates, American plans to hire 200 additional team members in 2016, building on the nearly 500 jobs added at LAX since its merger closed with US Airways in December 2013. Today, there are more than 5,000 LAX-based employees who are devoted to setting the highest standards of operational excellence. In 2015, American employees led their largest US carrier competitors in on-time departures at LAX, getting more than 14 million customers on 66,000 flights on their way more often than any other airline.
Premier Sponsorships
American is extending its dedication to Los Angeles with a multi-year deal as the Exclusive Airline Partner of the legendary Hollywood Bowl. The cultural institution has been an icon in Los Angeles for more than 90 years. For the 2016 season, American is the premier sponsor of 12 major events, including client hospitality and employee engagement opportunities.
"Whether you’re in the air or on the ground around Los Angeles, our goal is provide customers more choices and better access to the experiences they want,” said Fernand Fernandez, American’s vice president – Global Marketing. “We’re excited about our partnership with the Hollywood Bowl, which also has a long, rich history serving the greater L.A. area. We look forward to working closely with them as partners in the entertainment community.”
American’s other premier partnerships include the Los Angeles Clippers, The Hollywood Reporter, the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Universal Music Group, American Film Institute and British Academy of Film and Television Arts – Los Angeles chapter.
Partners in the Community
American is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves, and LAX-based employees are leading the way. On average, LAX employees have volunteered at more than 200 community events and civic programs in Southern California each year, including City Year, Special Olympics Southern California, Habitat for Humanity of San Bernardino, Los Angeles LGBT Center, HollyRod Foundation and PADRES Contra El Cancer. In 2015, American donated more than 7 million AAdvantage ® miles to a variety of charitable organizations selected by local employees.
First Class, All the Way
Out of LAX, American offers customers more choices for how they travel, with First Class seats and Main Cabin Extra offered on every flight. As part of American’s investment in the customer experience, the airline is adding more all-aisle access, fully lie-flat seats; international Wi-Fi; more in-flight entertainment options and power outlets; and improved food and beverage offerings.
Elite and First Class customers can enjoy Flagship ® Check-In, American’s private, dedicated VIP check-in facility at LAX . Top customers at LAX with tight transfer times may be treated to American’s luxury airport transfer program that escorts customers to their next gate of departure in a Cadillac.
“We set the standard at LAX nearly a decade ago with the first premium services to give our customers an unprecedented experience from curb to gate,” said Nocella. “In 2016, we’ll make our Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club even better with an enhanced and upgraded lounge experience. Everything has been carefully designed to take care of our customers through every step of their journey.”
For more information on American’s commitment and presence in Los Angeles, please visit aa.com/la . You can follow the conversation at #BestInLAX .
About American Airlines Group
American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015, its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines .
The infographic is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com , and via AP PhotoExpress.
Corporate Communications 817-967-1577 mediarelations@aa.com
