USHCC Applauds American Airlines for Appointing Captain Kathi Durst as First Female Chief Pilot at Airline's Largest Hub


WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) applauds American Airlines for appointing Captain Kathi Durst as its chief pilot at Dallas/-Fort Worth International Airport. Durst will oversee American's largest pilot base. American Airlines has been a longstanding partner of the USHCC, and is the official airline for its upcoming National Convention in Salt Lake City September 21-23, 2014.

Captain Durst has 25 years of flying experience with American Airlines in addition to 7 years in the U.S. Air Force. In 1981, Durst became among the first females to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. She was the first female pilot in a flight management leadership role in the airline's history when she became the Fleet Captain for the Boeing 737 fleet.

"The USHCC is proud of American Airlines selection of Captain Kathi Durst, the first woman – and most qualified candidate – to serve as chief pilot at DFW. After her three decades as both a military and commercial pilot, Captain Durst is optimally prepared to lead some of the world's most skilled pilots," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "As the world's leading airline, American Airlines has proven yet again that it values both its customers and its employees, by identifying and rewarding talent that reflects the world which it serves. We look forward to celebrating the airline's continued success, growth, and great milestones."

In June of 2014, Captain Durst was a recipient of the American Airlines Earl G. Graves Award for Leadership in Diversity, recognized for her involvement in mentorship with Women in Aviation International. Captain Kathi Durst has influenced positive change and made a lasting impact on the company, and is an advocate for diversity and inclusiveness at American Airlines.

"Driven by her profound devotion to career and country, Captain Durst has elegantly and boldly ascended to the highest ranks in her field, inspiring countless women to earn their seat at the table through pure hard work," said USHCC Foundation Chairman Nina Vaca. "The USHCC Foundation holds Kathi in the highest regard – she is a true standard bearer and ambassador of everything our association advocates for."

About American Airlines

American Airlines focuses on providing an exceptional travel experience across the globe, serving more than 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories. American's fleet of nearly 900 aircraft fly more than 3,500 daily flights worldwide from hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. American flies to nearly 100 international locations including important markets such as London, Madrid, Sao Paulo and Tokyo. With more than 500 new planes scheduled to join the fleet, including continued deliveries of the Boeing 737 family of aircraft and new additions such as the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, American is building toward the youngest and most modern fleet among major U.S. carriers. American's website, aa.com®, provides customers with easy access to check and book fares, and personalized news, information and travel offers. American's AAdvantage® program, voted Airline Program of the Year at the 2013 Freddie Awards, lets members earn miles for travel and everyday purchases and redeem miles for flights to almost 950 destinations worldwide, as well as flight upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and other retail products. The airline also offers nearly 40 Admirals Club® locations worldwide providing comfort, convenience, and an environment with a full range of services making it easy for customers to stay productive without interruption. American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest airlines in the world, including global brands like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia Airlines, Japan Airlines, LAN and Qantas. Together, its members serve more than 840 destinations served by some 9,000 daily flights to nearly 160 countries and territories. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir or Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol "AAMRQ" on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group. For more on American Airlines' commitment to diversity, please visit both aa.com/rainbow and aa.com/diversity.
 
About the USHCC

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of our nation's entrepreneurs. The USHCC advocates on behalf of nearly 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that together contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American economy, each year. As the leading organization of its kind, the USHCC serves as an umbrella to more than 200 local chambers and business associations across the nation, and partners with more than 220 major corporations.

For more information, visit www.ushcc.com

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