By James Wilkinson

American Airlines has celebrated the launch of its Australian website with return airfares to Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago or New York starting from $999 return.

American Airlines is offering $999 fares to the US

The new Australian version of aa.com offers not just discounted airfares, but travel news, tips and important destination information across the globe.

American Airlines manager, Australia and New Zealand, Michael Fletcher, said the new website improves Australia’s accessibility to the US and reiterates the airline’s commitment to high standards of customer service.

“With the rise of online travel bookings, we wanted to provide Australians with an easy-to-use, local portal, which allows them to quickly and simply book a return ticket to the USA, Canada, Europe, Latin America or the Caribbean, on board one of the world’s largest airlines,” he said.

“We are a truly global network, operating on average more than 3,400 flights a day – so we’re delighted to improve local services for Australians, complemented by some truly fantastic fares.”

The launch airfares exclude taxes and charges and are available from major Australian cities to: Los Angeles via Tokyo from $999; Dallas and Chicago via Tokyo from $1099; and New York via Tokyo from $1119.

Fares are effective immediately to March 16 and must be issued by the same date. Tickets cover the departure period of now until April 30, 2009.