American Airlines announces new Duty Free Program operator

American Airlines today announced it has signed an agreement with Miami-based Duty Free Air Ship and Supply (DFASS) to manage its inflight Duty Free program.

DFASS, the largest Duty Free airline sales operator in the United States, currently provides a wide range of services to more than 80 airlines worldwide.

"American’s customers have come to expect excellent Duty Free products onboard our international flights," said Patrick O’Keeffe, American’s managing director of Food and Beverage Services and Duty Free. "We are confident that our new relationship with DFASS, a company with extensive experience in the Duty Free business, will continue that tradition of excellence."

American now joins other major U.S. carriers that contract with outside suppliers for their Duty Free program. "This decision is consistent with American’s efforts to become more efficient and reduce operating costs and complexity," added O’Keeffe. "Although our in-house program proved successful in the past, having DFASS manage our Duty Free program will allow us to focus more resources on returning the airline to profitability."

American plans to transfer the Duty Free business to DFASS in early 2003. In the interim, both companies will focus on ensuring a seamless transition for American’s customers and flight attendants.