AMR To Announce Successor In Coming Weeks

American Eagle President and CEO Peter Bowler has chosen to retire after a distinguished 26-year career with American and American Eagle, AMR Corp. announced Thursday. "It has been the highlight of my airline career to be the President and CEO of American Eagle," said Bowler. "I am grateful for the opportunity to have served with the wonderful people of American Eagle and am proud of the fact that we have successfully navigated more than 11 years of constant change."

Bowler added, "We responded quickly to the dramatic events of our times - from 9/11 to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; from epidemics to oil spikes and the global financial crisis. Unlike many competitors, American Eagle avoided bankruptcy or labor strife, established an excellent safety culture and safety record and revitalized our fleet and facilities."

"For more than a decade, Peter has led the American Eagle team through one of the most challenging periods in our industry. He has also been a key member of American's Executive Committee during this period," said AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey.

Arpey added, "With a comprehensive understanding of the airline business and a deep concern for Eagle's people, he has overseen the transition of American Eagle to one of the largest regional jet operators in the world, offering over 1,600 flights a day to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. I offer my sincere thanks for his leadership and many contributions to American and American Eagle."

Bowler joined American in 1984 and held a variety of staff and line positions in the Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Information Technology departments at American before moving to American Eagle in 1998. He will stay on in his current role until a successor is named.

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