FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines applauds the United States and Brazilian governments for finalizing an Open Skies agreement that will allow for increased air service between the two countries.

“We applaud the U.S. Departments of State and Transportation and the Brazilian Ministry of Transport for taking this important step to enhance the U.S.-Brazil aviation relationship,” said Nate Gatten, American’s senior vice president – Government Affairs. “We commend Secretary Pompeo, Secretary Chao and their teams for their leadership and commitment to finalizing this agreement. As the leading U.S. carrier in Latin America, American has long advocated for an Open Skies policy between the U.S. and Brazil. This agreement will strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and Brazil and deliver significant benefits for consumers.

U.S.-Brazil Open Skies will pave the way for the U.S. Department of Transportation to approve American’s proposed joint business with LATAM Airlines Group. The American-LATAM joint business, which was announced in January 2016, will cover all travel between the U.S. and Canada and Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

The joint business will give customers an improved route network with increased connectivity and capacity, access to lower fares, and a seamless travel experience between American and LATAM flights. The joint business previously received regulatory approval from Brazil in October 2017, Colombia in May 2017 and Uruguay in November 2016.

American has proudly served Brazil for 28 years and has more flights between the U.S. and Brazil than any other carrier. American has nearly 600 team members in Brazil and more than 70 weekly flights to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Sao Paulo (GRU), Manaus (MAO), Belo Horizonte (CNF) and Brasilia (BSB) from American’s hubs in Miami (MIA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX).