American Airlines announced today that it will be an official sponsor of the USA Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. As the exclusive (passenger) airline of the USA Pavilion, American proudly joins a group of corporate sponsors that have pledged to provide world-class expertise and services to showcase the best of America at this spectacular global event. The Expo is expected to attract 70 million visitors, 95 percent of whom will hail from mainland China.

“The USA Pavilion experience will inform and delight its millions of expected visitors and leave them with positive impressions of the United States,” said Craig Kreeger, American’s Senior Vice President – International. “American Airlines is honored to take part in this historic event and recognizes one of its roles as a leading global airline is to bridge cultures by bringing together people of all nationalities. Through our participation in the USA Pavilion and the Expo, we hope to help strengthen the bonds between the people of the United States and the people of China.”

“We are proud to welcome American Airlines as the Official Airline of the USA Pavilion,” said Nick Winslow, President of the USA Pavilion. “Every day American is helping the peoples of the U.S. and China experience each other’s great countries and deepen their mutual understanding. We look forward to working with American to help Americans visit the Shanghai World Expo and to inspire our Pavilion guests to come explore the USA.”

The six-month world exhibition, which is themed “Better City, Better Life,” runs May 1–Oct. 1, 2010, on a dramatic site straddling the Huangpu River, which bisects the Shanghai metropolis. The expected attendance of 70 million will make this event the largest in history. This will be the first time China has hosted a World Expo, and nearly all the nations of the world have committed to participate.

At more than 60,000 square feet, the USA Pavilion will be one of the largest national exhibitions at the Expo. It will showcase American culture, values, innovation and business, while celebrating the friendship and cooperation between the United States and China.