Saint Louis, MO – Trans States Airlines announced today that the company will transition to an all-regional jet fleet by fall 2006 and retire its remaining six British Aerospace J-41 turboprop aircraft.

"This decision to reduce the number of aircraft types was a difficult one, but is consistent with our overall business strategy of fleet simplification and our ongoing review of ways to improve efficiency in order to support our customers and airline partners," Trans States President Richard A. Leach said.

"Many of the cities we serve throughout the Midwest are longstanding partners of Trans States. We would not have been able to provide an industry leading product without the support of the communities and the dedication of our employees." said Leach.

Trans States currently serves nine markets from St. Louis with its J-41 fleet under its AmericanConnection^® partnership. Four markets – Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Madison, Wis.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Fayetteville, Ark. – will have their existing service upgraded to all-jet service between April and May.

Trans States will exit five markets – Columbia, Mo.; Decatur, Ill.; Joplin, Mo.; Springfield, Ill.; and Springfield, Mo. Trans States and American are working with AmericanConnection^® partner Regions Air to continue service to those cities.

"AmericanConnection carrier RegionsAir is contacting affected communities to discuss possible replacement of the Trans States service," said Loretta Kuss, American’s Regional Manager – Passenger Sales in St. Louis. "We encourage those communities to work with Regions Air to preserve service to St. Louis."

Trans States Airlines, a large regional airline serving the Midwest and Eastern U.S. employs over 2,000 aviation professionals with service to 62 cities and more than 300 daily flights. Trans States is also the recipient of the Federal Aviation Administration's Certificate of Excellence Diamond Award seven years in a row.

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 3,900 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworldsm Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve more than 600 destinations in over 135 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)