KINGSTON, Jamaica å- Twenty-five years ago, an American Airlines “silver bird” landed in Jamaica for the first time. It was March 2, 1977. American Airlines began service with one daily flight using a McDonnell-Douglas DC10 aircraft from New Yorkå‘s John F. Kennedy airport to Montego Bay and Kingston. At the time the airline employed 12 people in Jamaica.

Today American operates four flights a day to Miami, two daily flights to New York/JFK and two flights a week to St. Louis and employs 139 in Jamaica. “American understands the importance of its operation to the tourism industry of Jamaica. Throughout the years, we have worked with the various tourism-related organizations and the government to make sure that our service benefits this important sector of the economy,” said Wellesley Joseph, American’s country director in Jamaica. “We are proud to contribute to the Jamaican economy as we have strengthened our service throughout the years.”

“American is aware that its success depends largely on the support received from the Jamaican community,” added Joseph. “The company believes that giving back to the people is the right thing to do and it is proud to be a good neighbor that supports local programs and organizations. In addition to American’s corporate support, employees give willingly of their time and talent to community programs.”

American supports programs, projects and institutions that serve the community in four broad areas - civic/community development, arts and culture, education, and health and welfare. The airline contributes to programs that can help the greatest number of people, such as: Maxfield Park Children`s Home, Western Society for the Upliftment of Children, The Jamaica Cancer Society, Missionaries of the Poor and the Special Olympics. Since 1995, American Airlines has been the official airline and major sponsor of the Reggae Boyz, the National football team.

American is continuously looking for ways to provide the best service in the communities it serves. The recent “More Room Throughout Coach” initiative has benefited many customers who can now enjoy more legroom in the main coach cabin. The company recently celebrated the second anniversary of the More Room campaign, and has received positive feedback from customers around the world.

Business class passengers benefit from an extension of American’s premium, on-board service when they visit the VIP Lounges in Montego Bay and Kingston.

The world`s largest carrier, American Airlines, together with its regional affiliate American Eagle, serves more than 240 cities in more than 50 countries and territories with more than 4,000 daily flights.

——-