BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, (CUOPM) – American Airlines’ commencement of a daily service from Miami International Airport to St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport brings to nine the number flights by that carrier from the U.S. mainland.

American Airlines first started its service from Miami service to St. Kitts in December 2004 with three flights weekly, which grew to five flights in 2006. In addition, American Airlines commenced a twice weekly service from JFK International in New York to St. Kitts in November 2007, just one year ago.

“American Airlines has shown continued confidence in our tourism industry,” said Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Sen. the Hon. Ricky Skerritt.

“The commencement of this Miami daily service from American Airlines heralds a new era in St. Kitts’ tourism, one that is witnessing increases in demand that are directly related to the growth of the island’s authentic, nature-based tourism product and which have led up to our need to provide a daily jet service from the US, our top visitor market.”

In recognition of American Airlines’ longstanding support of St. Kitts, the island has recently honored it with the “Tourism Partner of the Year” Award, the top recognition given to any tourism partner.

The Award was presented at St. Kitts’ 8th Annual Tourism Awards Banquet on November 1, 2008, which marked the end of the island’s Tourism Awareness Month of activities.

American Airlines has ideally timed these daily non-stop flights to accommodate connecting US and Canadian travelers as well as those flying non-stop to St. Kitts. American Airlines flight #2299 departs Miami International daily at 10:50 a.m. arriving into St. Kitts at 2:50 p.m. The return flight #2280 departs St. Kitts at 3:45 p.m. arriving into Miami International at 6:05 p.m.

American Airlines uses a 148-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 16 first class seats and 132 economy seats for these non-stop flights.