American Airlines’ parent company is filing for Chapter 11, and what some people may not realize is just how big a part the company plays in South Florida. 

About 600 American Airlines flights go in and out of Miami International Airport each day. 

“The economic impact of AA operations in South Florida is estimated to be $6.5 billion,” Martha Patin, spokeswoman for American Airlines, said. 

Despite the airline’s parent company’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, expansion plans at the airport’s North Terminal, which is designated for American Airlines, continues. The super-concourse, with 50 gates designated for American Airlines, is still under construction. 

Airport officials said the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing will not affect the ongoing project. 

"Quite frankly, they are one of the key reasons why Miami is becoming the international center that it is," said Frank Nero, president of Miami-Dade’s Beacon Council, of which American Airlines is a member. "They fly about 70 percent of the lift here out of Miami International Airport, and clearly it’s what makes Miami Miami, having that kind of air service to the rest of the world."

American Airlines arrived in Miami in 1989 after the collapse of Pan Am. At the time, the airline employed 275 people; that number has since grown to more than 9,000, making it one of Miami-Dade’s largest private employers.

While the reorganization may lead to pay cuts, county Commissioner Jose Diaz believes it could prevent layoffs. 

"I don't see jobs going away from our community," Diaz said.

"There will be a financial impact to south Fla. and the city of Miami," Miami Commissioner Wilfredo "Willy" Gort told Local 10 in an email. "How much of an impact depends on their outstanding debt to vendors within the City. I understand that they will maintain their present schedule; therefore, I don't foresee any layoff." 

Gov. Rick Scott released the following statement Tuesday afternoon: 

"Today I spoke with American Airlines Vice President Kevin Cox regarding the company’s decision to file for Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. I know this was a difficult decision for the company, and it is certainly difficult news for the Floridians who are employed by the carrier. Kevin has assured me that American Airlines is continuing to provide regularly scheduled flights and services throughout the reorganization process and will maintain its presence at the 12 airports in Florida, which offer flights to 116 destinations worldwide.  I am relieved that the company will continue operations throughout this process, and I am optimistic that this reorganization will better position American Airlines to be a profitable company and enable them to add jobs in Florida." 

From nearly any point in downtown Miami, one can spot an American Airlines advertisement. They are wrapped around Metrorail cars and plastered on taxicabs. The venue where the Miami Heat play, the American Airlines Arena, also is named after the company. 

American Airlines sponsors several big events, including the ING Marathon and the Miami International Film Festival. 

It is unclear whether the company will continue making charitable investments in South Florida. Officials said in a news release that they will have to make "difficult choices about our philanthropic investments and activities."