American Airlines Hurricane Relief Efforts Expanded to Also Include Victims of Hurricane Rita

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Though Hurricane Rita is gone, the adverse effects on many residents and communities in Texas and Louisiana remain. To assist victims of the powerful storm, American Airlines has expanded several aid programs initially put in place last month to assist people impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

In addition, the airline has extended until Oct. 15, a program offering AAdvantage bonus miles to AAdvantage members who donate to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Effort. Through Oct. 1, nearly 5 million bonus miles had already been awarded by American. And a separate program, in conjunction with the United Way of America, has so far resulted in nearly 90 million AAdvantage miles being donated by AAdvantage members for hurricane relief.

"Hurricane Rita had a devastating impact on many people in Texas and Louisiana, and undoubtedly there will be difficult times ahead as residents there rebuild their lives, homes, businesses and communities," said Debra Hunter Johnson, American's Vice President of Global Human Resources Services. "The people of American Airlines and American Eagle have always helped out in our communities, and we will do so again to assist those who were in the path of Hurricane Rita."

Here are some of the actions American and its affiliates have taken to aid Rita victims:

* American has extended its program offering AAdvantage miles for donations to the Red Cross. Through Oct. 15, 2005, AAdvantage members will receive a one-time award of 500 AAdvantage bonus miles when donating $50 or more to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Effort. - Through Oct. 1, American has awarded nearly 5 million AAdvantage miles to members who have contributed to the Red Cross relief effort. * American has expanded the "Miles to Move Forward" program in coordination with the United Way of America to allow AAdvantage members to donate miles to benefit people impacted by Hurricane Rita. Miles donated to the fund going forward will provide assistance with air transportation for individuals displaced by either storm. AAdvantage members can donate miles through Dec. 31, 2005. - Through Oct. 1, AAdvantage members have generously donated nearly 90 million miles to the United Way Hurricane Relief effort. * The airline has established the "American Giving Rita Relief Fund" to gather donations from employees. - To date, American and American Eagle employees have donated nearly $170,000 for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief efforts. * American Airlines Federal Credit Union is maintaining a special "American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund" to accept donations from members on behalf of the Red Cross. - More than $400,000 has been donated for hurricane relief so far, which includes member contributions as well as an AA Credit Union donation.

"American and American Eagle quickly resumed operations in Texas and Louisiana following Hurricane Rita," noted Johnson, "but restoring the lives of those who were severely impacted by the storm will be a much bigger challenge. With these efforts, as well as those of individual departments throughout the company, the people of American and American Eagle, and our customers, are offering our hands to those in need."

About American Airlines

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) regional airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 3,800 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 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(SM) 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 600 destinations in over 135 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation . AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.

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