American Airlines flights servicing Bermuda should be unaffected by the company filing for bankruptcy protection at least for now.AA spokeswoman Martha Pantín told The Royal Gazette: “American Airlines continues to operate normally. Our customers will see no immediate change as a result of the filing and can be confident that they can continue depending on us.“We are flying our regular schedules and we will continue to honour tickets and reservations, and make exchanges and refunds as usual, [as well as] fully maintain our AAdvantage and other customer service programmes.“From Bermuda we continue to operate to New York JFK and Miami International Airport.”AA announced yesterday that its parent company, AMR Corporation, and some of its US-based subsidiaries, had voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 reorganisation under United States law.It follows in the footsteps of other US airlines, including Delta, United, Continental and US Airways, who have all undergone Chapter 11 reorganisations.AA said it took the action “in order to achieve a cost and debt structure that is competitive in the airline industry so that it can continue delivering a world-class travel experience for its customers”.It added: “This action has no direct legal impact on any American Airlines operations outside the United States.”The airline said it expected to continue normal business operations throughout the reorganisation process and would remain part of the oneworld alliance of airlines, which includes British Airways.Members of the airline’s AAdvantage scheme were sent an e-mail assuring them their air miles were secure and that any flights booked with partner airlines using air miles would be honoured.Transport Minister Derrick Burgess said last night: “American Airlines announced today that it had filed for bankruptcy protection.“The move does not come entirely by surprise as industry insiders had anticipated that the airline would file such a motion in an effort to reduce increasing labour and debt costs.“Our airport general manager was today in contact with the airline’s regional corporate office and was given assurances that it remains business as usual, in that the airline does not anticipate any major changes to its flight schedule, certainly as it pertains to Bermuda specifically.”The Deputy Premier added: “American Airlines remains a very integral part of our overall airline services strategy and, as such, we along with our partners within the Tourism Ministry will continue to work with the airline to support both its Miami and JFK services moving forward.”A Department of Tourism spokeswoman said: “American Airlines is a valued partner that has provided Bermuda with stellar service for decades.“American Airlines has indicated in their official statements that today’s decision will not have an impact on travel. That said, the Bermuda Department of Tourism will continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds.”Carl Paiva, CEO of C-Travel, said the fact AA was in trouble had been “buzzing around” the travel industry for some time.But he said it was unlikely Bermuda would see any change in relation to the AA flights servicing the Island during the Chapter 11 reorganisation.“The only thing that could happen is that where there is ‘soft’ periods, they may pull some flights,” he said.Useful website: www.aa.com.