American Airlines And Qatar Airways Strengthen Relationship With Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Program Agreement

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines and Doha-based Qatar Airways today announce an expansion of their relationship to include a reciprocal frequent flyer program agreement, providing customers more opportunities to earn and redeem miles when traveling across each airline's global network.

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Beginning today, American Airlines AAdvantage^® members can earn and redeem AAdvantage miles and Qatar Privilege Club members can earn and redeem Qatar Qmiles when traveling on flights operated by the other carrier. This agreement is in addition to the codeshare relationship the two carriers have in place, which includes joint marketing on 170 unique routes throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

"For members of the AAdvantage program, the ability to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by American's partner airlines is one of the most important customer benefits the program offers," said Suzanne Rubin, American's President – AAdvantage Loyalty Program. "This expansion of our relationship with Qatar is another example of how American is focused on strengthening its global network through building strategic partnerships with other airlines, all while meeting the needs of our most loyal customers."

"This agreement represents the natural evolution of Qatar Airways' strong codeshare relationship with American Airlines," said Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways. "We are very pleased to begin this frequent flyer partnership and further enhance the travel experience for customers of both carriers."

Qatar currently serves 130 destinations in more than 70 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. From its Doha hub, Qatar serves 22 cities throughout the Middle East and offers more than 1,100 weekly flights, including service to American's hubs in New York (JFK) and Chicago (ORD), as well as Houston (IAH), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and, beginning in April of next year, Philadelphia (PHL).

In addition to expanding its partnership with American, as previously announced, Qatar Airways will join the oneworld^® alliance on Oct. 30, making it the first of the three major airlines based in the Gulf region to join a global airline alliance.For more details, please visit aa.com/qatar.

About American Airlines
American Airlines focuses on providing an exceptional travel experience across the globe, serving more than 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories. American's fleet of nearly 900 aircraft fly more than 3,500 daily flights worldwide from hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. American flies to nearly 100 international locations including important markets such as London, Madrid, Sao Paulo and Tokyo. With more than 500 new planes scheduled to join the fleet, including continued deliveries of the Boeing 737 family of aircraft and new additions such as the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, American is building toward the youngest and most modern fleet among major U.S. carriers. American's website, aa.com^®, provides customers with easy access to check and book fares, and personalized news, information and travel offers. American's AAdvantage^® program, voted Airline Program of the Year at the 2013 Freddie Awards, lets members earn miles for travel and everyday purchases and redeem miles for flights to almost 950 destinations worldwide, as well as flight upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and other retail products. The airline also offers nearly 40 Admirals Club^® locations worldwide providing comfort, convenience, and an environment with a full range of services making it easy for customers to stay productive without interruption. American is a founding member of the oneworld^® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest airlines in the world, including global brands like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia Airlines, Japan Airlines, LAN and Qantas. Together, its members serve more than 840 destinations served by some 9,000 daily flights to nearly 160 countries and territories. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir or Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol "AAMRQ" on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways currently has orders worth over US$50 billion for more than 250 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s and A320 Family of aircraft. In addition to winning Skytrax's prestigious Airline of the Year 2011 and 2012, Qatar Airways was named Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh year in a row, and its Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport was named Best Premium Service Airport for the third consecutive year in 2013. Skytrax is the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and is considered the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry.

SOURCE American Airlines