MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Another face of American Airlines

Art Torno, American Airline's Vice President (Photo by Piotr Powietrzynski Photography)

”Welcome to our oneworld Alliance!” In his jovial and gentlemanly manner, Art Torno, American Airline's Vice President - New York, welcomed members of the Foreign Press Association on board the world of alliances and other topics regarding today's aviation industry.

“American Airlines has experienced a 30% growth in New York in the last 18 months with our service upgrades to in the Latin American market and our joint business with British Airways and Iberia within the oneworld Alliance. This alliance, of which American was a founding member, includes 12 of the best carriers of the world, including British Airways and Iberia, as noted, plus Quantas, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines. In 2012, India's Kingfisher Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Air Berlin will join the oneworld Alliance, where 1 million people are transported daily on 10,000 flights to over 900 cities worldwide.”

Mr. Torno emphasized that the alliances, “Help the airlines save money, by sharing the costs of passenger lounges and services in today's fiercely competitive travel market.” The aviation industry's three largest alliances account for 70% of world travel. Domestically, American Airlines has a second alliance with Jet Blue, which provides additional connecting destinations for American's international and transcontinental flights out of JFK International Airport, and additional passengers for JetBlue.

Mr. Torno is based in New York, the world's largest aviation market, and is responsible for airport operations and the broad oversight of American Airlines' strategic initiatives. Originally from Camden, New Jersey, he began his career with American in 1979 as a flight attendant, and since then has held managerial positions within American's Caribbean operations in San Juan and Miami; South American operations in Chile; and in the West Coast operations based in Los Angeles.

Mr. Torno continued to inform journalists about the demanding needs to grow the business and extend the footprint of airline travel. American Airlines also focuses on the frequent business traveler, and its robust AAdvantage Program, the industry's first frequent flyer program, that works jointly with the elite status privilege programs within the oneworld Alliance.

As the world gets smaller and more competitive, American Airlines is trying to stay on top of their competitors by modernizing its fleet, and will begin flying its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2014. American Airlines has signed interline agreements with 110 carriers around the world, and has code-sharing agreements with over 25 carriers.

International travel on American Airlines has become even more comfortable and enjoyable. First Class or Business Class travel between the United States, Europe, Asia, India, and South America, is incorporating such enhancements as comfortable slippers, a cozy duvet, and a newly redesigned Eames Office amenity kit containing Dermalogica skincare products.

Dining in the skies means indulging in culinary experiences created by the American Airline's team of famous chefs, including the talented Chef Richard Sandoval, known for his innovative use of authentic Latin ingredients. American's award-wining wine service is also a favorite of its premium travelers.

Mr. Torno, who is training to run the New York City Marathon in November, also works closely with community groups to strengthen American Airlines’ 85-year-old relationship with Greater New York. In 1996, Nancy Rivard, an American Airlines flight attendant, founded Airline Ambassadors International, (AAI), a non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations and recognized by the US Congress. Last year, its volunteers contributed over 89,000 hours of volunteer service and spent $500,000 of personal income to aid clinics, schools, orphanages and relief programs in 52 countries. American Airlines sponsors and supports AAI's transportation relief aid programs, and over 1/2 million people in underprivileged areas around the world have been assisted.

Mr. Torno has a close working relationship with AAI, and was in Haiti during the catastrophic earthquake in 2010. Working together, American Airlines and AAI facilitated the transport of over two million pounds of medicines and food, along with about 500 medical personnel. Since then, AAI has also built permanent housing for internally displaced people from the earthquake, as well as providing safe houses for victims of human trafficking. In addition to humanitarian flights, American Airlines helped rebuild Toussaint L'Ouverture International Airport. “Nancy, her husband and all the other AAI personnel worked so hard to assist during this time of crisis. We just happened to have been at the right place at the right time,” concluded the modest Mr. Torno.

By Dina Pinos & David P. Michaels - New York

Dina Pinos is a New York City based journalist and television producer covering current affairs, culture, food and travel.

David P. Michaels is the MercoPress Bureau Chief and First Vice President of the Foreign Press Association.