• New airline for Sydney Airport, the largest airline in the world
• New daily American Airlines Los Angeles-Sydney route commences today
• Set to boost tourism and visitor expenditure for Sydney, NSW and Australia

American Airlines today touched down at Sydney Airport, launching the airline’s inaugural daily Los Angeles-Sydney service in time for the busy Christmas holiday period.

American Airlines operates a 310-seat B777-300ER aircraft on the route. The aircraft was welcomed with a water cannon salute on arrival at Sydney Airport, marking its return to Sydney after 23 years.

“We’re thrilled to officially welcome the world’s largest airline, American Airlines, to Sydney Airport and Australia,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“The US is Sydneysiders’ favourite international destination, and this new airline will provide travellers with more choice, convenience and connections to destinations in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America.

“The US is also Sydney’s third largest inbound visitor market. American Airlines’ new service is set to further grow tourism to Sydney, NSW and Australia, bringing an additional 41,000 US visitors to Sydney and boosting annual visitor expenditure by an estimated $65 million.”

American Airlines launched its expanded partnership with Qantas at Sydney Airport yesterday, which will increase capacity between Sydney and the US by 25 per cent or 225,000 seats a year.

“From today, Australian customers have increased choice of flights to the US with both American and our joint business partner Qantas who have excellent onboard products and networks,” American Airlines Senior Vice President for International and Cargo Art Torno said.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres welcomed the service and said the NSW Government is committed to working with airlines from the US and Australia to increase visitation to Sydney and NSW.

“Through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, we look forward to working with American Airlines and the opportunity to showcase our beautiful city, award-winning restaurants, stunning beaches and surrounding NSW regions to even more visitors from the US,” Mr Ayres said.

Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan said the decision by American Airlines to add Australia to its international network was great news for the tourism industry and US/Australia tourism more broadly.

“The United States is one of our largest volume and highest spending markets, with more than half a million American visitors pumping more than three billion tourism dollars into our economy each year,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“American Airlines obviously has a huge footprint within the United States and also significant marketing resources which, when combined together, will significantly improve access and awareness of Australia amongst many millions of American holidaymakers and business travellers.”