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11-Apr-2013 8:46 AM

American Airlines Bolsters Its Los Angeles Hub By Adding Nine New Destinations This Year

Direct News Source

10-Apr-2013 Expansion Affirms American's Commitment to Los Angeles, Strengthens oneworld's Position at LAX

American Airlines is significantly expanding service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this year, further strengthening one of its key hubs and providing more access for customers across its growing global network. In addition to American's new service between Los Angeles and Raleigh/Durham, N.C., which began on April 2, American will begin serving the following new destinations this summer from LAX:

In February American filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for the right to fly additional United States - Brazil frequencies beginning in 2013. Pending government approval, American intends to use these frequencies to add one new daily round trip service from its Los Angeles hub to Sao Paulo on Nov. 21, expanding the airline's Latin American network footprint. American currently offers more than 900 weekly flights to 49 cities throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Central and South America.

"Our Los Angeles hub plays a vital role in our domestic and international network strategy," said Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief Commercial Officer. "Together with our oneworld® alliance partners, we offer customers seamless access to the most important business and leisure travel destinations across the globe from LAX."

"Los Angeles' position as both a premier business and tourist destination requires accessibility to travelers across the U.S. and around the globe," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "By expanding its network out of LAX, American Airlines affirms its commitment to serving the Los Angeles area and helps solidify the city's role as both a domestic and international travel hub."

With these new markets, American will serve 51 domestic and international destinations from its LAX hub. Customers have access to even more global destinations through partners British Airways, Iberia, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and LAN, all of which offer convenient connections from Los Angeles. In addition, American's codeshare relationship with Alaska Airlines provides customers with enhanced service to key destinations along the West Coast.

Further demonstrating its commitment to the Los Angeles market, American will be deploying its brand new 777-300ER aircraft on its route between Los Angeles and London Heathrow in June. The 777-300ER introduces new enhancements to the inflight experience, including fully lie-flat seats in First and Business Class - all with direct aisle access; a walk-up bar for premium-cabin customers that offers snacks and sweets; and a sophisticated entertainment system offering hundreds of hours of audio and video programming options at every seat throughout the aircraft. American was the first U.S. airline to order and take delivery of the state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300ER and intends to take delivery of 20 of the aircraft over the next few years.