American Airlines will begin nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport (DME) on June 2, 2008. “We are pleased to offer service to Moscow, the cultural and financial capital of Russia, adding another crown jewel to our sparkling international route network,” said David Cush, American’s Senior Vice President – Global Sales.

“From Chicago, American is, or soon will be, providing links to the world’s key developing economies in Russia, China, and India, as well as established markets in Japan, Europe and Latin America.”

“The Russian economy is booming and many of our nation’s top 100 corporations are doing business there, so the time is right to begin serving Moscow,” added Cush. “Our Chicago hub is well positioned to draw passengers and shippers from throughout the nation’s heartland to travel to Moscow, providing our customers with the route network they value.”

“American Airlines flights from Chicago to Moscow are a big win for Illinois travelers,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “Each new international route increases competition among air carriers while consumers, businesses and tourists benefit from a decrease in ticket prices. By this time next year, these new flights will have opened up a world of travel possibilities for the entire state.”

“This is truly exciting news. Moscow is an exciting destination for business as well as leisure travelers,” said Jerry Roper, President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “Moscow is an extremely important emerging world market and a new nonstop flight from O`Hare will be invaluable.”

Moscow becomes the fifth major international destination that American has begun from O’Hare since November 2005 when it launched nonstop service to Delhi, India. In April 2006, the airline added a daily nonstop flight to Shanghai, China. On December 13, American will add nonstop service to Buenos Aires, the cultural and financial center of Argentina, and in March 2009 the airline will begin flying from Chicago to Beijing, China.

American plans to fly its Chicago – Moscow service six days a week with its 225-seat, two-class (Business and Coach/Economy) Boeing 767-300 aircraft, featuring 30 Next Generation Business Class seats. Eastbound flights will fly every day except Sunday. Westbound flights will operate every day except Monday.