American Airlines First Class Seat Additions on Track; Modifications to Be Finished on Two-Thirds of Targeted Fleets By April's End

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FORT WORTH, Texas, March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines is on track to complete two-thirds of its planned MD80 fleet modifications by the end of April, including increasing the number of First Class seats from 14 to 16. The rest of the targeted fleet will be converted by early June, in time for the busy summer season.

The modifications will give American at least 16 First Class seats on its narrowbody aircraft, which is 78 percent of its entire fleet of aircraft. American's narrowbody Boeing 757 fleet of 143 aircraft has 22 First Class seats.

"This increase in First Class seats provides American's loyal customers with much more opportunity to upgrade," said David Cush, Vice President - Sales. "While other airlines are shrinking First Class, we are listening to our customers who say upgrades are important to them, and we're responding accordingly."

The modifications also include the installation of larger overhead bins and powerports on 77 former TWA MD80s, ensuring passengers a consistent travel experience on American's total MD80 fleet of 336 airplanes. The modifications give customers more room to store their carry-on luggage and more powerports for their laptop computers.

American said last fall that it would be adding both First Class and coach seats to its MD80 fleet and coach seats to its other fleets. With these modifications, 82 percent of the MD80 coach seats will retain 32 inches or more of pitch and 72 percent of all of American's narrowbody fleet will have 32 inches or more.

About American Airlines

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) regional airlines serve more than 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 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 are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation (NYSE:AMR) .

AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, AAdvantage and Net SAAvers & Special Offers are marks of American Airlines, Inc.

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