American Airlines announced today that more than one quarter of the U.S. Senate, nearly 80 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and seven of the nation's governors have sent letters to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of the airline's request to become the next passenger carrier awarded the right to fly between
the United States and China.

Additional letters of support for American's China application also have come from dozens of city, county and state officials, chamber of commerce leaders, economic development organizations, labor unions and businesses in
Illinois and 16 other states.

American has announced its intentions to fly from Chicago to Shanghai, pending government approval, beginning May 1, 2005, using a 236-seat Boeing 777 aircraft.

We are very pleased with the depth and breadth of support that we've been given for our China proposal, said Will Ris, American's Senior Vice President – Government Affairs.  We continue to believe that American will bring competition to the Chinese marketplace and our supporters believe that as well.

Chicago is the perfect choice to operate services provided by the new route authority, Ris added.  The greatest public benefit for the largest number of U.S. passengers and communities will be gained if the DOT selects American.

Chicago is the nation's only hub airport served by two U.S. international network carriers.  Through Chicago, American and American Eagle will provide highly effective nonstop-to-nonstop connections for 65 U.S. cities with a mileage circuity of 10 percent or less.

American's new Chicago – Shanghai routes would provide new service options and increased competition in the China market that would benefit air travelers and shippers alike, Ris said.