American Airlines : Executive Vice President Steve Johnson Appointed to U.S. Chamber Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has appointed Stephen L. Johnson of American Airlines Group Inc. to its Board of Directors. American Airlines is the world's largest airline, employing more than 120,000 team members and offering 6,700 flights per day to 350 destinations in more than 50 countries.

'The team at American Airlines is excited about increasing our involvement at the Chamber,' said Johnson. 'We believe the key to making progress in Washington and creating opportunity and inclusive growth across the country is to increase the dialogue between the communities we serve, the federal government and other stakeholders. The Chamber has a unique and critically important role in that dialogue as the voice of American business.'

As American's Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs, Johnson is responsible for corporate and legal affairs, government and regulatory affairs, labor relations, real estate and airport affairs, and for outreach to the business communities in cities that American serves. Prior to joining the airline, Johnson was a partner at Indigo Partners LLC, a private equity firm specializing in acquisitions and strategic investments in the airline, air finance and aerospace industries.

Between 1995 and 2003, Johnson held a variety of positions with America West Holdings Corporation prior to its merger with US Airways Group, including executive vice president - Corporate. Prior to joining America West, he served as senior vice president and general counsel at GPA Group PLC. He was also an attorney at the Seattle-based law firm Bogle & Gates, where he specialized in corporate and aircraft finance and taxation.

'We are pleased to welcome Steve to our board of directors,' said Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 'His strong leadership and his longstanding expertise in the airline industry will bring a valued perspective to our conversations as we work to promote the role of business and free enterprise in keeping the U.S. economy growing.'

Johnson earned his Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from California State University, Sacramento.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.