American Airlines launches new Budapest to New York Flight

Monday 11th April 2011

American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, inaugurated its new nonstop service between Budapest and New York JFK on Wednesday, 06 April.

The new year-round service links two hubs of American and Malév Hungarian Airlines, opening up great connection possibilities for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic. As part of the celebrations, American's Boeing 767-300 aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water canon salute as it landed on Hungarian soil for the first time.

Customers departing on the first flight were welcomed at the gate with a special cake, canapés and a glass of sparkling wine so that they could join in and toast the new flight in style. A ribbon cutting officially launched proceedings and passengers were given a special commemorative gift before boarding.

Speaking at Budapest Airport's Terminal 2B, Kurt Stache, Vice President International, American Airlines, said: ""We are delighted to launch this new flight from Budapest to New York, which is truly a oneworld alliance route. New York has been like a home to American Airlines since we began flying there in 1939, so we know a thing or two about this amazing city and all it has to offer. This is also one reason why we have invested so heavily in our own terminal at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport. Designed with the traveller in mind, it aims to speed customers on their journeys, hopefully making it an enjoyable experience whether people are remaining in New York or connecting to destinations across the Americas and Caribbean."

Martin Gauss, CEO Malév Hungarian Airlines, which is a oneworld codeshare partner on the route, described the service as a new air bridge connecting Budapest with one of the most important cities in the world. He said: "The establishment of this route is of considerable significance for Malév Hungarian Airlines and the result of sustained and joint efforts between partners. Together we are confident that we will not only serve the travelling public but also strengthen and expand existing relations between the two countries in the long term."

Mr Kam Jandu, Director of Aviation, Budapest Airport, emphasised Budapest Airport's commitment to the future, adding: "Budapest Airport has a vision to build the best airport within the Central-Eastern European region and we have a capital investment programme to spend over 260 million Euros, of which around 82% is complete. Many will have seen the showpiece of this investment - SkyCourt - which opened just last month and is simply stunning. Over the coming months, we will be refurbishing the transfer area and also the satellite zones in 2A and 2B. There is no better way for us to celebrate these investments than with a great new service operated by American Airlines and I look forward to it becoming a great success."

The new schedule launched today is as follows:

American's schedule between Budapest and New York JFK:Flight No: Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival TimeAA158 Budapest (BUD) 11.55 New York (JFK) 15.35AA159 New York (JFK) 18.40 Budapest (BUD) 09.30 (following day)All times local

For further information and to book, visit www.aa.com, or call American Airlines reservations on 1- 999-1420 (Hungarian/English). Alternatively, for the latest news and offers, customers can follow American Airlines Europe's social media channels at twitter.com/AAEurope and facebook.com/AAEurope.

- Ends -

About Budapest Airport

During 2010 Budapest Airport handled almost 8.2 million passengers through scheduled, charter and general aviation services. Budapest Airport Zrt. owns and operates Ferihegy Airport. This is a public private partnership with the Hungarian State holding 25% and the remaining 75 percent owned by German company HOCHTIEF AirPort, one of the world's biggest independent airport managers, together with a further four financial investors: Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Montreal; GIC Special Investments, Singapore; and KfW IPEX-Bank, Frankfurt. In July 2008, Aero Investment S.á.r.l. became a new shareholder.

Through its BUD Future project Budapest Airport aims to be the aviation hub of the CEE region. Leading projects include:

SkyCourt - a new centrally located building linking the existing terminals 2a and 2b. SkyCourt has doubled the commercial area of the terminals and provides a wide range of retail outlets, international brands and an improved food and beverage offering. The contemporary glass structure also offers an impressive view of the apron providing passengers with a unique travel experience.

Cargo City - New on-airport cargo facilities will feature 140.000sqm of cargo and logistics terminals designed for airlines, handlers and integrators.

Budapest Airport incorporates two terminals. Terminal 1 is a dedicated low cost carrier terminal and Terminal 2 services the traditional carriers. The airport is also the base for Malev, Hungary's national airline and part of the One World alliance and is home to a further 32 airlines, serving over 92 destinations which represents 40 countries worldwide.

www.bud.hu

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in 50 countries with, on average, more than 3,600 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalised news, information and travel offers. American Airlines fares are also available through Kayak.com and Priceline.com, as well as thousands of travel agencies worldwide. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 145 countries and territories.

Images available at: https://picasaweb.google.com/budaviation/AmericanAirlinesLaunchesNewFlight06042011#