American Airlines operates Miami flights to send aid to its team members in Puerto Rico

September 23, 2017: In wake of Hurricane Maria, American Airlines resumed partial operations to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), on September 22.

“We will operate five roundtrip flights, including four roundtrips from/to Miami (MIA) operating on Boeing 737-800 and one roundtrip from/to Philadelphia (PHL) operating on an Airbus A330-200. The first flight is scheduled to arrive in San Juan at approximately 9 a.m. local time Friday,” said the airline company through a statement.

The planes delivered supplies and transport additional American team members who are traveling to the island to assist Puerto Rico-based colleagues in restarting our operation at SJU.

The much-needed supplies for our team members and their families include food, water, lanterns, cots, tarps, fans, batteries and boots. “We will also be delivering generators, as Puerto Rico officials have stated that the powerful hurricane knocked out power to the entire island. Officials are not sure when power will be restored,” added the company.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been and continue to be impacted by this storm,” said Alfredo Gonzalez, managing director, Caribbean. “Thanks to the American team, we plan to resume service to San Juan on Sept. 22, and will be adding extra flights in order to help our customers and team members, and provide supplies to the island.”

Operations remain suspended to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (PLS); St. Croix Island, US Virgin Islands (STX); St. Maarten, Saint Maarten (SXM) and St. Thomas Island, US Virgin Islands (STT).

“We are planning to resume service to these communities once airports in the region reopen,” added Gonzalez.

American has also issued a travel alert, which allows customers whose travel plans are impacted by Hurricane Maria to rebook without change fees.

American Airlines has partnered with American Red Cross for many years and is part of a select group of leading corporations that provide the highest level of support to the Red Cross preparedness and relief efforts. With the unique ability to activate immediately and assess critical needs during times of disaster, the Red Cross has the infrastructure in place and relationships with local and foreign governments allowing immediate accessibility to affected areas and approved relief items.