FORT WORTH, Texas — The $4.2 billion American Airlines Federal Credit Union has paid a record bonus dividend of $8 million to its more than 207,000 members.

The bonus dividend was based on dividends earned on qualifying share accounts and/or interest paid on applicable loans in 2006. The savings portion of the dividend was calculated on 2006 share dividends earned and was paid at an annual rate of 2.5%. If loan interest was paid in 2006, the additional portion of the bonus dividend amount was calculated on an annual rate of 2.5% on those applicable loans.

"Member response to the bonus dividend has been extremely favorable, especially after realizing that part of the calculation was based on interest paid on mortgage and home equity loans," said John Tippets, AAFCU president/CEO.