American Airlines and Startup America Partnership Launch Second Annual “Flights. Camera. Action” Contest

Small- and Medium-Size Businesses Can Enter for a Chance to Win 80 Round-Trip Award Tickets* to Elevate the Success of Their Business

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines is teaming up with Startup America Partnership to launch the second annual “Flights.Camera.Action.” contest to support the growth of small- and medium-size businesses. Eligible businesses are encouraged to submit videos explaining how air travel facilitates important connections for their company through in-person meetings, onboard technology and Wi-Fi; as well as connections made through the travel experience. Video entries can be submitted at www.AA.com/FlightsCameraAction.

To enter the contest, which runs from July 17 through Aug. 10, 2012, companies are encouraged to submit a one-minute video explaining the importance of connections made through air travel on the contest website. The first 400 businesses to enter the contest through the website, and in compliance with the Official Rules, will receive 300 American Airlines Business ExtrAA^® bonus points, equivalent to an Admirals Club^® One Day Pass. Terms and Conditions apply.

The top nine videos from each of the three contest categories will be displayed on the contest site for public voting from Aug. 28 through Sept. 14, 2012. Each of these 27 entrants will receive 10,000 Business ExtrAA points for their business, redeemable for up to five domestic round-trip Plan AAhead^® award Economy Class tickets. The three distinct categories for entry include:

• Startups – companies with two to 500 employees that have been in operation for less than five years.
• Established businesses – companies with two to 500 employees that have been in operation for five or more years.
• Nonprofits – 501(c)(3)organizations with two to 500 employees with any operational term.

The top three videos from each category, as selected by public vote – for a total of nine finalists – will earn 20,000 Business ExtrAA points for their business, redeemable for up to 10 domestic round-trip Plan AAhead^® award Economy Class tickets, and two complimentary admission tickets to the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony in Phoenix, where the Grand Prize Winner will be announced.

The First Place Winners from each category, as selected by a panel of judges – for a total of three winners – will receive an additional 30,000 Business ExtrAA points for a total of 60,000 Business ExtrAA points (the equivalent of 30 domestic round-trip Plan AAhead^® award Economy Class tickets). They will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony, including exclusive networking opportunities with iconic startup leaders and various entrepreneurs, and an Admirals Club annual membership for up to two employees.

The Grand Prize winner will receive an additional 100,000 Business ExtrAA points – equivalent to 50 round-trip Economy Class tickets, AAdvantage^® Gold status for up to two employees for one year and exposure in a variety of American Airlines media channels including an inflight video and a feature in the American Waymagazine.

“American understands the importance of keeping our customers connected throughout the travel experience, especially businesses that rely heavily on air travel to succeed,” said Derek DeCross, American’s Vice President – Global Sales. “We’re excited to work with Startup America Partnership to boost entrepreneurs in their business efforts given their importance to the U.S. economy.”

“The American economy is driven by startups – young, high-growth companies that are the number one job creators,” said Scott Case, CEO, Startup America Partnership. “Travel is a critical component to these companies – it provides the opportunities to make connections with customers and investors that can be game changing. Our partnership with American Airlines, and the “Flights.Camera.Action.” contest, highlights the amazing startups around the country and provides them with a unique opportunity to grow faster.”

Startup America Partnership is dedicated to bringing together startups and local champions from around the country and focuses on creating successful networks for young, high-growth companies to succeed. American offers travel programs specifically designed to benefit small- and medium size businesses, such asBusiness ExtrAA and the American Airlines Business Suite™ that includes the AAirpass^® program, which offers discounted fares on last-minute travel with immediate VIP benefits. Other programs include a cash-rebate credit card and discounts for group travel, and there is no cost to join. American’s relationship with Startup America is intended to provide additional value in the form of travel to hundreds of participating small- and medium size businesses.

For more information about the American Airlines suite of business products, visit www.AA.com/Business. For more information on the “Flights.Camera.Action.” contest, visit www.AA.com/FlightsCameraAction.

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