American Airlines to expand its international presence in New York with three new routes

18-Feb-2010 Nonstop Flights Between New York and San Jose, Madrid, and Manchester Will Begin in April, May

The enhanced schedule brings the number of international destinations American serves from New York to 31 -- nine cities in Europe, 18 destinations in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Latin American regions, three in Canada, and American's daily nonstop flight to Tokyo. With connecting flights out of New York, plus cities accessed through American's oneworld® Alliance partners, customers can book a trip on American from New York that will take them to literally hundreds of locations worldwide.

"New Yorkers are international travelers - whether for business or leisure travel - and we're excited to add these three great destinations to our schedule," said Jim Carter, American's Vice President - Eastern Sales Division. "These new flights are perfect additions to our sparkling, state-of-the-art JFK Terminal - a major international gateway that provides best-in-class service and amenities for our premium and coach customers from our New York hub."

The new San Jose flight, Flight 611, will depart five times a week from JFK, every day except Friday and Sunday. American will fly its Boeing 757 aircraft with 16 seats in Business Class and 166 seats in the Coach cabin on the route.

Costa Rica is a land of extreme beauty, and one of the most biologically diverse, and warmly welcoming countries in the world. Its name - which translates into "Rich Coast" in English - was originally given by Christopher Columbus in 1502 when he claimed the region for Spain. Costa Rica is located on the lower part of Central America, bordering the Caribbean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Costa Rica is known for its amazing ecological systems, excellent climate and extremely friendly people.

Allan Flores, Minister of Tourism for Costa Rica, said, "American Airlines has a long history in Costa Rica, and they have served our country for more than 20 years. Air service is critical for the development of our tourism industry. We are pleased with the addition of New York service due the importance of this market and look forward to welcoming visitors from New York on American Airlines to our beautiful and unspoiled country, excellent climate and warm, friendly people."

The Madrid flight will depart daily from JFK. It will also utilize a Boeing 757 aircraft with 16 seats in Business Class and 166 seats in the Coach cabin.

Madrid is the largest city in Spain and is its capital. While it is a thoroughly modern city, it offers many historical landmarks, such as the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Teatro Royal (Royal Theatre) with its restored 1850 Opera House, and the Buen Retiro park, founded in 1631. Madrid is a city of culture and entertainment, with hundreds of theatre and Flamenco shows, opera, and other nightlife.

A major European financial center, Madrid is home to the headquarters of the vast majority of Spanish companies. Three of the world's largest 100 companies are based there: Telefonica, Repsol-YPF and Banco Santander.

Angeles Alarco Canosa, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Madrid, said, "It is great news that American Airlines has decided to launch a new connection between Madrid and New York, forming a new bridge between two great cosmopolitan, dynamic regions. The new route will help New Yorkers get to know Madrid's gastronomy, which includes the best of Spanish and international cuisine, its richness in culture and museums, its more than 450 performing arts attractions, as well as its amazing hotels and shopping opportunities. Madrid has also established an excellent reputation as a host for every conceivable type of business event.

"At the same time the new route will open up additional opportunities for Madridians and other Spaniards to discover all the great things the Big Apple has to offer," Canosa said.

The Manchester flight will depart daily from JFK. It, too, will utilize a Boeing 757 aircraft.

Manchester is the largest city in the north of England and is a convenient base for exploring other cities in the region such as Liverpool and Chester or the beautiful countryside of the Lake District. Manchester is the epicenter of football (soccer) and home to the famed Manchester United. It is the birthplace of fish and chips and the Industrial Revolution. Culturally, Manchester is renowned for its popular Indie music scene, and it hosts the impressive, artist-led Manchester International Festival, an international cultural festival of original new work and special events.

Less expensive than London and many other EU capitals, Manchester is noted for its pubs and locally-produced beer - including Boddingtons. It is one of Europe's leading business/media cities and its new MediaCity complex houses many major businesses, recently attracting five departments of the BBC that moved there from London.

Andrew Stokes, Chief Executive of Marketing Manchester, said, "We're delighted that American Airlines is increasing its operation into Manchester. We welcome the opportunity to work with them on promoting Manchester to the New York market. As the gateway to the North of England, Manchester offers people from the U.S. the chance to experience not only our great city, but also the sights of the Lake District National Park, Liverpool and the Roman city of Chester - all of which are within easy reach of Manchester.

"The new route will also support the business community that travels frequently between Manchester and the U.S., in particular, international delegates attending conferences and exhibitions at our convention centers," Stokes said.

Here is American's schedule between New York JFK and San Jose, JFK and Madrid, and JFK and Manchester: All times shown are local.