DFW International Airport Calls American Airlines’ Expansion To Brazil Great News For North Texas

(DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TX - February 17, 2005) - DFW International Airport officials today said American Airlines' announcement of new flights to Sao Paulo, Brazil is positive news for all of North Texas. American announced this morning it would introduce a second nonstop flight between DFW and Sao Paulo starting in June. 

This announcement is especially good news as DFW moves toward opening its new International Terminal D later this summer. International Terminal D will boast twomillion square feet of the latest in technology, security and amenities for the traveling public, and will solidify DFW International Airport as one of the premier U.S. gateways to the world. 

"This announcement is testimony to the impact a strong and shared international airport has on the North Texas economy," said Dan Petty, President of the North Texas Commission. "It is further proof of the profound impact the new international terminal will produce in terms of jobs, tourism, and economic growth.” 

The North Texas Commission and DFW management said the announcement also illustrates and reinforces the need to keep the Wright Amendment intact to assure a level playing field for all airlines and to keep refueling the region’s undisputed economic engine. 

International traffic at DFW is primarily supported by connecting passengers who use the Airport as a hub to more than 30 destinations around the world. Officials are concerned passengers taken away from DFW to flights at Love Field will jeopardize future growth of international air service to North Texas. 

“The new international terminal will be an important factor in the future growth of DFW as our economic engine,” said Kevin Cox, Chief Operating Officer of DFW International Airport. “American Airlines' continued expansion into key domestic and international markets is a reminder that DFW is truly the engine that drives not only our regional economy, but also global business for North Texas,” Cox said. 

“We encourage our elected officials to assure equal opportunity for all airlines which want to offer service to North Texas and support our initiative to bring new or expanded low-fare options to DFW for North Texas travelers.” 

Cox added, "We believe that North Texas is far better served by joining together to pursue this kind of business and economic development instead of waging an unnecessary and time-consuming fight over legislation carefully negotiated in good faith among airlines, homeowners, business leaders and the elected leaders of Dallas and Fort Worth.” 

Editors: To arrange interviews, contact Ken Capps, Vice President, Public Affairs at 972-574-8080 or kcapps@dfwairport.com.