Corporate Communications

773-686-5614
mediarelations@aa.com

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018

AMERICAN AIRLINES STATEMENT ON PROPOSED O’HARE INTERNATIONAL

AIRPORT USE AND LEASE AGREEMENT

CHICAGO – American Airlines is excited about seeing O’Hare transformed into an airport that
sets the global standard in airline passenger experience and efficient operations. And, after 18
months of multi-lateral, transparent negotiations, we were looking forward to supporting the new
lease. But American cannot sign the lease in its current form because of a secret provision,
inserted at the last minute, awarding additional gates to United.

Today, Chicago is extraordinarily well positioned with three carriers operating hubs and
competing aggressively against each other. However, the United gate deal would undermine
competition, allowing the largest airline at O’Hare to expand its size advantage for years into the
future. Thus, the United gate deal creates a clear winner, United, and clear losers: namely,
competition, Chicago travelers and American Airlines.

We would sign the lease if it did not include this provision. Alternatively, we are prepared to
compromise. Indeed, since learning of the United gate deal less than two weeks ago, American
has sought to re-level the playing field by urging the City to accelerate the construction of three
additional gates, and award those to American. To date, the City has dismissed that approach
without explanation. We encourage city leaders to fix the lease and ensure competition remains
vibrant at O’Hare.

About American Airlines Group

American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly
350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort
Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American is
a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly
1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines Group
Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015, its stock joined the S&P 500 index.
Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

##