American Airlines Launches Android Application

Feb. 9, 2011
American Airlines Launches Android Application

App Is Latest Development in American's Commitment to Enhancing Customer Experience Through Mobile Technology

PR Newswire

FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 1 million downloads of its iPhone® and iPad® applications, American Airlines on Tuesday continued its charge in the mobile app space with the debut of its Android™ application. The Android app is the latest in a series of mobile technologies American has developed to give its customers more control over their travel experience.

"By definition, our customers are mobile, and are increasingly reliant on mobile devices that enable them to stay well connected wherever they are," said Monte Ford, Senior Vice President – Technology and Chief Information Officer.  "We believe the right mobile technology can and will dramatically improve our customers' and employees' experience with American. As a result, our mobile technology strategy is aggressive and a key consideration in every technology initiative at the company today. It is our intention to lead the airline industry related to mobile computing."

Much like its iPhone app predecessor, the American Airlines Android app allows customers to check in for flights; receive gate, seat and flight status information; view terminal maps; and provides a number of other functions, including the ability to:

  • Enter log in and password only once – allowing the application proactively to push upcoming flight details to the home screen automatically
  • Set a parking reminder
  • Monitor the standby list
  • Track elite status progress
  • Access Mobile Boarding Pass – the application saves the boarding pass, so it's always easy to find
  • Use GPS to locate the nearest airport served by American
  • Play Sudoku

The app also provides direct and easy access to a variety of other tools that help customers manage, plan and further enjoy each trip on American Airlines, including the ability to:

  • Create Flight Status Notifications
  • Enroll in the American Airlines AAdvantage® program
  • Access AAdvantage account information
  • Access contact information

"With the popularity of American's first app for iPhone, many customers have asked for an American app for Android. In fact, one in four smartphone owners are now using an Android device," said Rick Elieson, Managing Director – American Airlines Interactive Marketing. "Not only does this meet the needs of many of our customers while they're on the move, it also paves the way for innovation on other devices that use the Android platform."

During development of the Android app, American conducted testing with 750 of its most loyal AAdvantage Executive Platinum® and AAdvantage Platinum® members. Feedback from these customers was instrumental in determining what users value most.

"The AA [Android] app provides all of your pertinent travel information in a way that is simple, yet comprehensive," said Scott Higgins, an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member who tested the app.

"This is a huge help to manage my crazy travel demands," said Matthew C. Tabisz, also an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member and among the 750 who tested the technology.

American continues to enhance its existing apps and develop new technologies that will benefit customers using a variety of mobile devices. For customers on-the-go who do not have iPhones, iPads or Android devices, American also offers mobile.aa.com as a mobile solution.

Customers can download the free app from the Android Market on any Android device. To see a video demonstration of the app, please visit youtube.com/americanairlines. For more information, please visit www.aa.com/app.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning AA.com® website provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. 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 750 destinations in nearly 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

Current AMR Corp. releases can be accessed on the Internet.

The address is http://www.aa.com

SOURCE American Airlines