American Airlines
American Airlines is a major airline of the United States. It operates an extensive domestic and international network from hubs including Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and New York.[1]
The airline is operated by American Airlines, Inc., a subsidiary of the publicly traded American Airlines Group. Regional services are marketed under the American Eagle brand and operated by subsidiary and contracted carriers.[2]
American Airlines uses the IATA code AA, the ICAO code AAL, and the callsign AMERICAN.[3]
American Airlines traces its origins to several early air-mail carriers that were consolidated as American Airways in 1930. The business was reorganised under the American Airlines name in 1934.[4]
The airline was one of the founding members of the Oneworld alliance in 1999. Its modern corporate structure was created through the 2013 merger of AMR Corporation and US Airways Group.[1][5]
History
Early air-mail services
American Airlines traces its ancestry to air-mail services established during the early development of commercial aviation in the United States.
One of its earliest predecessors was Robertson Aircraft Corporation, which operated mail services between Chicago and St. Louis. Charles Lindbergh was among the pilots who flew for the company.
Another predecessor, Colonial Air Transport, operated services in the northeastern United States.
During the late 1920s, numerous small aviation companies were brought together under The Aviation Corporation.
American Airways
In 1930, the airline operations controlled by The Aviation Corporation were consolidated as American Airways.
The company brought together more than 80 smaller airlines and aviation businesses. Its network stretched across much of the United States but consisted largely of routes created to carry government mail.
American Airways operated aircraft including:
Ford Trimotor
Fokker Universal
Fairchild aircraft
Pilgrim 100
Stearman aircraft
Curtiss Condor
The Air Mail scandal and changes to United States government contracts forced many airlines to reorganise during the early 1930s.
American Airlines name
American Airways was reorganised and renamed American Airlines, Inc. in 1934.[4]
Businessman E. L. Cord acquired control of the company, while C. R. Smith became its president.
Smith would lead American through much of its early development and became one of the most influential airline executives in the United States.
The reorganised airline developed a connected passenger network rather than relying primarily on individual air-mail routes.
Douglas DC-3
American Airlines played an important role in the development of the Douglas DC-3.
C. R. Smith asked the Douglas Aircraft Company to produce an improved sleeper aircraft based on the Douglas DC-2. The resulting Douglas Sleeper Transport was followed by the passenger-configured DC-3.
American introduced the Douglas DC-3 into commercial service between New York and Chicago in June 1936.[4]
The aircraft could operate passenger services profitably without depending entirely on government mail payments.
The DC-3 became one of the most influential transport aircraft in aviation history and was adopted by airlines around the world.
Flagship branding
American used the Flagship name for important aircraft and passenger services.
Individual aircraft were named after cities served by the airline, while onboard employees and airport facilities were presented as part of the Flagship service.
The name remains in use for selected premium international and transcontinental products.
Second World War
During the Second World War, many American Airlines aircraft and employees supported the United States military.
Aircraft were transferred to military transport operations, and airline crews operated missions carrying personnel and supplies.
American continued a reduced civilian network while contributing to wartime air transport.
The experience gained through military operations helped accelerate the development of longer-range commercial services after the war.
Post-war expansion
American expanded its domestic network following the Second World War.
Aircraft introduced during the post-war period included:
Douglas DC-4
Douglas DC-6
Douglas DC-7
Convair 240
Convair 990
The airline developed transcontinental services linking cities on the east and west coasts of the United States.
American also expanded into Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada.
Introduction of jet aircraft
American entered the jet age with the Boeing 707 in 1959.
The aircraft was introduced on transcontinental services between New York and Los Angeles before being used on additional domestic and international routes.
American later introduced the Boeing 720 and Convair 990.
Jet aircraft reduced journey times and allowed the airline to compete more effectively on major business routes.
Sabre reservation system
American Airlines and IBM developed the Semi-Automatic Business Research Environment, commonly known as Sabre.
The system was introduced during the 1960s and allowed airline employees to access schedules, seat availability and passenger reservations electronically.
Sabre became one of the earliest large-scale computer reservation systems and was later developed into a separate travel-technology business.
Boeing 727 and Boeing 737
American introduced the Boeing 727 during the 1960s.
The aircraft became an important part of the airline's domestic and short-haul international fleet because it could operate from smaller airports while carrying more passengers than earlier aircraft.
The Boeing 737 was also used on domestic routes, although American later withdrew the type before reintroducing newer versions decades later.
McDonnell Douglas DC-10
American Airlines helped define the requirements for a wide-body aircraft smaller than the Boeing 747.
McDonnell Douglas developed the DC-10, and American became its launch customer.
The DC-10 entered commercial service with American Airlines in August 1971 between Los Angeles and Chicago.
The aircraft was used on high-demand domestic and international routes.
Deregulation
The United States airline industry was deregulated in 1978.
Airlines gained greater freedom to establish routes and fares without direct federal approval.
American responded by reorganising its network around connecting hubs rather than operating only linear routes.
The airline expanded at Dallas/Fort Worth and developed additional hub operations elsewhere in the country.
Dallas/Fort Worth hub
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport opened in 1974 and became increasingly important to American Airlines.
The airport's central location allowed American to connect passengers between cities across the United States.
Dallas/Fort Worth developed into the airline's largest hub and the centre of its domestic and international network.
American later moved its headquarters from New York City to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
AAdvantage
American launched the AAdvantage frequent-flyer programme in 1981.[6]
It was one of the first large airline loyalty programmes based on members earning mileage credit for eligible flights.
The programme expanded to include partner airlines, hotels, car-hire companies, payment cards and retailers.
AAdvantage became one of the world's largest airline loyalty programmes.
Hub expansion
American developed or acquired hub operations at several airports during the 1980s and 1990s.
These included:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Miami International Airport
Raleigh–Durham International Airport
Nashville International Airport
San Jose International Airport
San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
Some hubs were later reduced or closed as market conditions changed.
Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami remained central to the airline's network.
Latin American network
American expanded substantially into Latin America and the Caribbean.
In 1990, the airline acquired routes and other assets from the financially troubled Eastern Air Lines.
Miami developed into the principal connecting point for American's services between North America, the Caribbean and Latin America.
The airline became one of the largest United States carriers serving the region.
European and Pacific services
American expanded its long-haul network during the late twentieth century.
European destinations included London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid and Rome.
The airline also operated Pacific services to destinations including Tokyo and other Asian cities.
Some international routes were acquired from other airlines, while others were developed through partnerships and alliance agreements.
Oneworld
American Airlines was one of the founding members of the Oneworld alliance.
The alliance was announced by:
American Airlines
British Airways
Canadian Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Qantas
Oneworld began operations in 1999.
Alliance membership allowed the participating airlines to coordinate connections, frequent-flyer benefits and airport services.
American remains one of the alliance's largest member airlines.[1]
Trans World Airlines acquisition
American acquired most of the assets of Trans World Airlines, commonly known as TWA, in 2001.
The acquisition included:
Aircraft
Employees
Routes
Airport facilities
Slots
TWA's St. Louis hub
TWA was integrated into American Airlines and ceased operating under its own identity.
American inherited Boeing 757, Boeing 767 and McDonnell Douglas aircraft through the transaction.
The St. Louis hub was later reduced as the airline reorganised its network.
Financial difficulties after 2001
The airline industry faced a major downturn after the attacks of 11 September 2001.
American experienced reduced demand, higher security costs and wider economic disruption.
The company reduced capacity, retired aircraft and implemented cost-saving programmes.
American avoided bankruptcy during the first decade of the 2000s while several other large United States airlines entered court-supervised restructuring.
Fleet simplification
American operated a diverse fleet during the early 2000s.
Aircraft included:
Airbus A300
Boeing 737
Boeing 757
Boeing 767
Boeing 777
Fokker 100
McDonnell Douglas MD-80
The airline began simplifying and renewing its fleet by withdrawing older types and ordering newer Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
The Airbus A300 was retired in 2009, while the Fokker 100 had left the fleet earlier.
Major aircraft order
American announced a major narrow-body aircraft order in 2011.
The agreement included aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing and ended a long period in which the airline had ordered primarily Boeing aircraft.
The order supported the introduction of the Airbus A320 family and newer Boeing 737 variants.
Bankruptcy restructuring
American's parent company, AMR Corporation, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in November 2011.
The restructuring addressed debt, employment agreements, aircraft costs and other financial obligations.
American continued operating throughout the bankruptcy process.
During the restructuring, discussions began regarding a potential merger with US Airways.
Merger with US Airways
AMR Corporation and US Airways Group announced a merger agreement in February 2013.
The United States Department of Justice initially challenged the transaction on competition grounds.
A settlement required the airlines to surrender slots and airport facilities at several airports.
The merger was completed on 9 December 2013, creating American Airlines Group.[5]
Although US Airways was the surviving corporate entity in parts of the legal structure, the combined airline retained the more internationally recognised American Airlines name and branding.
Integration of US Airways
American and US Airways continued operating under separate certificates and reservation systems while the businesses were integrated.
The AAdvantage and Dividend Miles loyalty programmes were combined in 2015.
US Airways operated its final flight on 16 October 2015.
The airlines received a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2015, completing a major stage of the operational merger.
Aircraft inherited from US Airways included:
Airbus A319
Airbus A320
Airbus A321
Airbus A330
Embraer E190
The merger added major hubs at Charlotte, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington National.
New aircraft livery
American introduced a new visual identity in 2013.
The previous polished-metal livery was replaced because composite-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 787 could not use the same unpainted finish.
The new design introduced a silver-grey fuselage, updated lettering and an abstract red, white and blue tail.
The tail design became one of the most visible elements of the airline's modern branding.
Boeing 787
American introduced the Boeing 787 Dreamliner into commercial service in 2015.
The aircraft became an important part of its long-haul fleet and progressively replaced older Boeing 767 aircraft.
American operates the Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9.
The type is used on services to Europe, Asia, Oceania, South America and other long-distance markets.
Retirement of older aircraft
American accelerated the retirement of several aircraft types during the late 2010s and early 2020s.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 operated its final American Airlines passenger services in September 2019.
The airline retired its remaining Airbus A330, Boeing 757, Boeing 767 and Embraer E190 aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These withdrawals simplified the mainline fleet around Airbus A320-family, Boeing 737, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft.
COVID-19 pandemic
American substantially reduced passenger operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travel restrictions and declining demand caused the suspension of numerous domestic and international services.
The airline received financial support through United States government aviation-relief programmes.
American operated cargo-only flights using passenger aircraft and continued selected repatriation and essential services.
Passenger demand recovered after travel restrictions were relaxed.
Airbus A321XLR
American ordered the Airbus A321XLR for long-distance routes that do not require the capacity of a wide-body aircraft.
The type entered the airline's fleet with a premium configuration including lie-flat Flagship Suite seats.
The aircraft is intended for selected transcontinental and international services.
Premium fleet development
American has introduced additional premium seating across parts of its fleet.
The airline's newer Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft feature the Flagship Suite Business Class product.
American is also refurbishing existing Boeing 777 aircraft with updated cabins and additional premium seating.[7]
Corporate affairs
American Airlines Group
American Airlines is owned by American Airlines Group Inc.
The company was formed through the merger of AMR Corporation and US Airways Group in 2013.
American Airlines Group is publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the symbol AAL.
Its principal operating subsidiary is American Airlines, Inc.
Headquarters
American Airlines is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.
Its corporate campus is located near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The headquarters complex includes management offices, training facilities and operational departments.
Integrated Operations Center
American operates an Integrated Operations Center near its headquarters.
The facility coordinates:
Flight dispatch
Crew scheduling
Maintenance control
Airport operations
Weather monitoring
Customer recovery
Network management
The centre supports American's mainline and regional operations.
Principal businesses
American Airlines Group's principal activities include:
Scheduled passenger transportation
Regional airline services
Cargo transportation
Loyalty services
Aircraft maintenance
Holiday and travel products
The AAdvantage programme is an important part of the group's commercial business.
Hubs
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is American Airlines' largest hub.
The airport supports domestic, transborder and intercontinental connections.
American operates from several terminals and is the airport's dominant airline.
Routes from Dallas/Fort Worth connect with destinations across:
The United States
Canada
Mexico
The Caribbean
Central America
South America
Europe
Asia
Oceania
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte became an American hub through the merger with US Airways.
It is one of the airline's largest connecting airports and is particularly important for services across the eastern United States and the Caribbean.
The hub includes a large number of American Eagle regional flights.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare is one of American's longest-established major hubs.
The airport connects cities across the United States with selected international destinations.
American competes directly with United Airlines at Chicago O'Hare.
Miami International Airport
Miami is American's principal gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.
The airline operates domestic connections into Miami that feed international services to destinations across the region.
Miami also supports long-haul flights to Europe and other markets.
Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia became an American hub through the US Airways merger.
The airport is an important gateway for services between the United States and Europe.
Its location also supports domestic connections across the northeastern and eastern United States.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Phoenix became an American hub through its merger with US Airways.
The airport supports services across the western United States, Mexico and selected longer-distance markets.
Phoenix had previously been the principal hub of America West Airlines.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
American operates a major hub at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The airport is subject to federal perimeter and slot restrictions.
American acquired much of its position at Washington National through the US Airways merger and earlier slot transactions.
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles is an important American Airlines station and international gateway.
American operates domestic, transcontinental and international services from the airport.
The scale of its connecting operation has changed over time as the airline has adjusted its West Coast network.
New York
American serves the New York area through John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
John F. Kennedy supports transcontinental and international services.
LaGuardia is used primarily for domestic flights because of airport perimeter restrictions.
Route network
American Airlines and its regional partners serve destinations across the United States and internationally.
Its network covers:
North America
Central America
South America
The Caribbean
Europe
Asia
Oceania
The airline operates domestic services from all of its hubs and uses regional partners to connect smaller communities with the wider network.
American Eagle
American Eagle is the regional brand used for flights sold by American Airlines and operated by regional carriers.
American Eagle services connect smaller airports with American's hubs and provide additional frequencies on some larger routes.
Operators include American-owned airlines and independent contractors.
Envoy Air
Envoy Air is a wholly owned regional subsidiary of American Airlines Group.
It was previously known as American Eagle Airlines.
Envoy operates Embraer regional aircraft on behalf of American Airlines.
PSA Airlines
PSA Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group.
It operates regional services under the American Eagle brand using Bombardier CRJ aircraft.
PSA traces its origins to Vee Neal Airlines and later operated as a subsidiary of US Airways.
Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines is a wholly owned regional subsidiary of American Airlines Group.
It operates Embraer regional aircraft under the American Eagle brand.
The current company is distinct from the original Piedmont Airlines that merged with USAir in 1989.
Contracted operators
Independent airlines have also operated American Eagle flights under capacity-purchase agreements.
These have included:
Republic Airways
SkyWest Airlines
Mesa Airlines
Trans States Airlines
Compass Airlines
The list of operating partners can change as contracts begin or end.
Partnerships
Oneworld
American Airlines is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance.
The alliance provides coordinated connections across the networks of its member airlines.
Eligible passengers may receive benefits including:
Priority check-in
Priority boarding
Airport lounge access
Additional baggage
Priority baggage handling
Fast-track security at selected airports
Benefits depend on the traveller's AAdvantage status, cabin and operating airline.
Joint businesses
American participates in joint business arrangements with selected airline partners.
These partnerships can include coordinated schedules, fares and sales activities while each airline continues operating its own flights.
Important partnerships have included cooperation with:
British Airways
Iberia
Finnair
Aer Lingus
Japan Airlines
Qantas
Codeshare agreements
American maintains codeshare agreements with Oneworld members and other airlines.
A codeshare allows a flight operated by one airline to be sold using another airline's flight number.
Current partners and eligible routes should be confirmed through American's official booking system.
Fleet
American Airlines operates Airbus and Boeing mainline aircraft.
Airbus A320-family and Boeing 737 aircraft are used primarily on domestic and short-haul international routes.
Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft operate long-haul and high-demand international services.
| Aircraft family | Typical role |
| Airbus A319 | Domestic and short-haul international services |
| Airbus A320 | Domestic services |
| Airbus A321 | High-capacity domestic and transcontinental services |
| Airbus A321neo | Domestic and international services |
| Airbus A321XLR | Premium transcontinental and long-range services |
| Boeing 737-800 | Domestic and short-haul international services |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Domestic and international services |
| Boeing 777-200ER | Long-haul international services |
| Boeing 777-300ER | High-capacity long-haul services |
| Boeing 787-8 | Long-haul international services |
| Boeing 787-9 | Long-haul international services |
American also uses regional aircraft operated under the American Eagle brand.
Airbus A319
The Airbus A319 is the smallest aircraft in American's current mainline fleet.
Many aircraft were inherited through the merger with US Airways.
The type is used on domestic and short-haul international routes, including services to airports where demand does not require a larger aircraft.
Airbus A320
American's Airbus A320 aircraft were inherited primarily from US Airways.
They operate domestic and shorter international services.
American has announced cabin modifications that include additional premium seating and updated passenger amenities.
Airbus A321
American operates several configurations of the Airbus A321.
Standard aircraft are used on domestic and short-haul international services.
A specialised transcontinental configuration has been used on premium routes between New York and cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Airbus A321neo
The Airbus A321neo provides improved fuel efficiency and range compared with earlier A321 variants.
American uses the aircraft on high-demand domestic routes and selected international services.
Airbus A321XLR
The Airbus A321XLR is designed for longer routes than other members of the A320neo family.
American's aircraft include the Flagship Suite Business Class product, Premium Economy and Economy seating.
The type allows the airline to serve long-distance markets that may not support a larger Boeing 787.
Boeing 737
The Boeing 737-800 is one of the most numerous aircraft in American's fleet.
The airline also operates the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and has ordered additional MAX-family aircraft.
The types are used across domestic, Caribbean, Mexican and other short-haul international routes.
Boeing 777
American operates the Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 777-300ER.
The Boeing 777-200ER is used across a wide range of international routes.
The larger Boeing 777-300ER operates high-demand services and was the first aircraft in American's fleet to provide direct aisle access from every Business Class seat.
American is refurbishing parts of its Boeing 777 fleet with updated cabins.[7]
Boeing 787
American operates the Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9.
The aircraft are used on routes across Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
Newer Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature an updated cabin including Flagship Suite seating.
Regional fleet
American Eagle operators use aircraft including:
| Aircraft family | Typical role |
| Embraer E170 | Regional and medium-density services |
| Embraer E175 | Regional and medium-density services |
| Bombardier CRJ700 | Regional services |
| Bombardier CRJ900 | Higher-capacity regional services |
Regional aircraft are operated by partner airlines rather than American Airlines mainline crews.
Former fleet
American Airlines has operated many aircraft types during its history.
Former aircraft include:
Airbus A300
Airbus A330
BAC One-Eleven
Boeing 707
Boeing 720
Boeing 727
Boeing 737-100
Boeing 747
Boeing 757
Boeing 767
Convair 240
Convair 990
Douglas DC-2
Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-4
Douglas DC-6
Douglas DC-7
Douglas DC-10
Embraer E190
Fokker 100
Lockheed Electra
McDonnell Douglas MD-11
McDonnell Douglas MD-80
Aircraft inherited from TWA and US Airways increased the number of types operated during periods of integration.
Passenger cabins
Flagship First
Flagship First has been American's highest cabin on selected transcontinental and international services.
The product has been offered on specially configured Airbus A321 aircraft and Boeing 777-300ER services.
American is progressively replacing or restructuring parts of its traditional First Class offering as it introduces additional Flagship Suite Business Class seating.
Flagship Business
Flagship Business is American's premium long-haul and selected transcontinental cabin.
Benefits can include:
A lie-flat seat
Priority check-in
Priority security where available
Lounge access
Additional baggage
Premium meals and drinks
Priority boarding
Priority baggage delivery
The exact seat and cabin layout depends on the aircraft.
Flagship Suite
Flagship Suite is American's newer Business Class product.
It includes a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access and a privacy door.
The product is being introduced on new Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft and through selected fleet refurbishments.[7]
Premium Economy
Premium Economy is available on selected international aircraft.
The cabin provides wider seating, additional legroom and enhanced service compared with the main Economy cabin.
Passengers generally receive priority airport services, an increased baggage allowance and upgraded meals.
Main Cabin
Main Cabin is American's standard Economy Class product.
Services vary according to aircraft and route.
Long-haul flights generally provide:
Meals and drinks
Seatback entertainment on equipped aircraft
Cabin baggage
Checked baggage according to the fare
Access to onboard connectivity
Main Cabin Extra
Main Cabin Extra provides additional legroom and preferred seating locations.
The product remains part of the Economy cabin rather than a separate travel class.
Eligible AAdvantage members may select Main Cabin Extra seats according to their status and ticket conditions.
Domestic First
First Class is offered on most two-cabin flights within the United States and to selected nearby international destinations.
The product generally includes:
A larger seat
Priority airport services
Additional baggage
Complimentary drinks
Meals on eligible flights
Lounge access on limited qualifying itineraries
AAdvantage
AAdvantage is American Airlines' frequent-flyer and loyalty programme.
Members earn miles through eligible flights, payment cards, hotels, car hire, shopping and other partners.[8]
Miles may be redeemed for:
Reward flights
Cabin upgrades
Hotels
Car hire
Airport services
Other travel products
Loyalty Points
American uses Loyalty Points to determine AAdvantage status.
Members earn Loyalty Points through eligible activities, including flights and selected partner transactions.
Published status levels include:
| Status | Position |
| AAdvantage Gold | Entry elite level |
| AAdvantage Platinum | Second elite level |
| AAdvantage Platinum Pro | Oneworld Emerald level |
| AAdvantage Executive Platinum | Highest standard published level |
American also provides additional recognition and benefits to selected high-value customers.
Oneworld status
Qualifying AAdvantage members receive corresponding Oneworld status.
These alliance levels can provide benefits when travelling with other Oneworld airlines.
Benefits vary according to the member's AAdvantage level and operating carrier.
Airport lounges
Admirals Club
Admirals Club is American Airlines' principal airport-lounge brand.
Lounges are available at major airports across the airline's network.
Access may be available through:
Membership
Eligible premium tickets
Qualifying AAdvantage status
Oneworld status
Selected payment cards
Single-visit passes where offered
Facilities generally include seating, Wi-Fi, food, drinks and customer-service assistance.
Flagship Lounge
Flagship Lounges provide an enhanced experience for eligible premium international and transcontinental passengers.
Facilities can include:
Premium food
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Showers
Quiet areas
Workspaces
Direct customer assistance
Access rules depend on the passenger's cabin, route and loyalty status.
In-flight entertainment
American provides seatback entertainment on most wide-body aircraft and selected narrow-body aircraft.
Other narrow-body aircraft provide entertainment that passengers stream to their own devices.
Available content can include:
Films
Television programmes
Music
Games
Flight information
Content and equipment vary by aircraft.
Onboard connectivity
American provides Wi-Fi on much of its mainline and regional fleet.
The airline introduced complimentary Wi-Fi for eligible AAdvantage members on supported aircraft.
American has also announced plans to introduce Starlink connectivity across a substantial portion of its narrow-body fleet.
Availability depends on the aircraft, route and installed provider.
American Airlines Cargo
American Airlines Cargo transports freight through American's passenger network.
Cargo is carried in the holds of scheduled passenger aircraft rather than through a large dedicated freighter fleet.
Products transported include:
General freight
Mail
Pharmaceuticals
Medical supplies
Fresh food
Live animals
Valuable goods
Temperature-sensitive shipments
Human remains
Dallas/Fort Worth is an important cargo connecting centre.
Branding
Eagle symbol
An eagle has been associated with American Airlines for much of its history.
Earlier logos included an eagle positioned between the letters AA.
The symbol reflected speed, strength and the airline's national identity.
Silver aircraft
American became known for aircraft with polished, unpainted aluminium fuselages.
The finish reduced the amount of paint required and became a distinctive feature of the airline's identity.
Composite aircraft such as the Boeing 787 could not use the same polished-metal appearance, contributing to the introduction of a painted livery.
Current livery
American introduced its current livery in 2013.
The design includes:
A silver-grey fuselage
Large American lettering
A stylised eagle symbol near the front
A red, white and blue striped tail
The design was introduced before the merger with US Airways and was retained by the combined airline.
Heritage liveries
American operates selected aircraft in liveries representing airlines that form part of its corporate history.
Heritage designs have represented:
AirCal
Allegheny Airlines
America West Airlines
American Airlines
Piedmont Airlines
PSA Airlines
Reno Air
TWA
US Airways
These aircraft recognise the airlines and employees that contributed to the present company.
Environmental strategy
American Airlines Group has set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.[9]
Its environmental plans include:
Introducing more fuel-efficient aircraft
Using sustainable aviation fuel
Improving flight planning
Reducing aircraft weight
Electrifying ground equipment
Reducing waste
Supporting new aviation technology
The Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321XLR, Boeing 737 MAX and Boeing 787 consume less fuel than several older aircraft they replace.
Accidents and incidents
Flight 1
On 1 March 1962, American Airlines Flight 1 crashed shortly after departing New York Idlewild Airport, now John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The aircraft was a Boeing 707 operating to Los Angeles.
All passengers and crew members were killed.
The investigation identified a malfunction within the aircraft's rudder-control system.
Flight 191
On 25 May 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 crashed shortly after take-off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 was operating to Los Angeles.
The aircraft's left engine and supporting structure separated during take-off, damaging flight-control and warning systems.
All 271 people aboard and two people on the ground were killed.
It remains the deadliest aviation accident to occur in the United States.
Flight 965
On 20 December 1995, American Airlines Flight 965 crashed into terrain while approaching Cali, Colombia.
The Boeing 757 was operating from Miami.
Most of the passengers and crew members were killed, although several people survived.
The investigation identified navigation and crew decision-making factors.
Flight 1420
On 1 June 1999, American Airlines Flight 1420 overran the runway while landing at Little Rock National Airport during a thunderstorm.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-82 struck structures beyond the runway and was substantially damaged.
The captain and several passengers were killed.
Flight 11
On 11 September 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 was hijacked while operating from Boston to Los Angeles.
The Boeing 767 was deliberately flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York.
Everyone aboard was killed, along with many people in and around the building.
Flight 77
American Airlines Flight 77 was also hijacked on 11 September 2001.
The Boeing 757 was operating from Washington Dulles International Airport to Los Angeles.
The aircraft was deliberately flown into the Pentagon.
Everyone aboard and numerous people in the building were killed.
Flight 587
On 12 November 2001, American Airlines Flight 587 crashed shortly after departing John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The Airbus A300 was operating to Santo Domingo.
The vertical stabiliser separated from the aircraft following excessive rudder inputs during an encounter with wake turbulence.
All 260 people aboard and five people on the ground were killed.
Flight 331
On 22 December 2009, American Airlines Flight 331 overran the runway while landing at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Boeing 737-800 broke into several sections.
There were no fatalities, although numerous passengers were injured.
Flight 383
On 28 October 2016, American Airlines Flight 383 suffered an uncontained engine failure while beginning its take-off roll at Chicago O'Hare.
The Boeing 767 was evacuated after a fire developed.
Several occupants were injured, but there were no fatalities.
See also
American Eagle
American Airlines Group
AAdvantage
Oneworld
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
US Airways
Trans World Airlines
List of airlines of the United States
Aviation in the United States