Thursday, February 26, 2009

First Major Passenger Airline to Join Program

FORT WORTH, Texas American Airlines announced today its participation in the Climate Leaders program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of its continued commitment to environmentally-responsible business practices . American is the first major passenger airline to join the program.

Climate Leaders is a collaboration of business and the EPA to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. Members commit to reducing their impact on the global environment by setting ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals to be achieved over the next 5 to 10 years and reporting their progress to the EPA annually.

"Our decision to join the Climate Leaders program is the latest step in a long-standing commitment by American Airlines to help safeguard Earth's environment," said Peggy Sterling, Vice President Safety, Security, & Environmental. "We will not waver in our commitment to reduce our impact on the environment."

"We are pleased to welcome American Airlines into the Climate Leaders program," said Kathleen Hogan, Division Director of EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships. "We look forward to working with them as they establish a climate strategy and work to reduce their carbon footprint."

American has committed to a 30 percent reduction in our greenhouse gas intensity ratio by 2025 and will work closely with Climate Leaders to set a mid-range goal to help meet this long-range target.

Over the past few years, American has initiated many programs to reduce its environmental footprint. For example, it has:

• Implemented initiatives that reduce fuel consumption by 111 million gallons annually as part of its Fuel Smart initiatives, thereby reducing greenhouse gases;
• Purchased new Boeing 737-800 jets to replace older MD-80 aircraft, which will further reduce emissions by 35 percent per seat mile;
• And reduced electricity usage by increasing office temperature during summer months, retrofitting lights with more energy-efficient bulbs, and rewrapping pipe insulation.

American's annual Environmental Responsibility Report includes additional details on its environmental initiatives across the company and can be found online at http://www.aa.com/content/images/amrcorp/amrerr.pdf.