American Airlines
issued the following statement Friday following the announcement by the
Mexican airline holding company Cintra S.A. de C.V. that it would sell
Mexicana de Aviacion, the country’s leading international carrier, and
Aeromexico, its top domestic carrier, separately. This statement is by
Peter Dolara, Senior Vice President-Miami, Caribbean and Latin America. “Mexicana de Aviacion is a valuable marketing partner for American
Airlines and we hope to continue that relationship as its owners move
forward with privatization. Our reciprocal codesharing, frequent-flyer
participation and lounge access arrangements have been very beneficial to
the flying public in Mexico, the United States and other international
points.

“Mexico—which we have served for the past 60 years—is a very
important market for us, as evidenced by American Eagle’s recent service
additions to Torreon and San Luis Potosi and its plans to start service to
Chihuahua in May. Mexicana will help us continue this growth to Mexico.

“American stands ready to work closely with Mexicana’s current and future
owners to expand our relationship for the benefit of the flying public and
our two great airlines.”

American and Mexicana began their codesharing and reciprocal frequent
flyer program in Spring 2004.
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