Brazil sees American Airlines investment as show of confidence

American Airlines plans to invest US$100m in an aircraft maintenance centre in Sao Paulo, a Brazilian minister said Thursday, touting it as a sign of confidence in Latin America's largest economy despite Brazil's recession and latest political turmoil. Investment Partnerships minister Wellington Moreira Franco said the airline would set up its first maintenance centre in South America at Sao Paulo's Guarulhos international, and would eventually offer services to other airlines. "An American Airlines executive told me [Thursday] the company does not share the pessimistic view of Brazil in the media and believes Brazil's market will grow strongly," he said. An American Airlines spokesman said the airline has plans to invest in Brazil but that he could not immediately confirm the amount. <br/>