American Airlines

Discovering American Airlines: A Giant in the Skies

Imagine a world where you can travel across continents with just one ticket, and that’s exactly what American Airlines offers. Founded in 1930 as a merger of small airlines, it has grown to become the largest airline by scheduled passengers carried. With over 6,800 flights daily to nearly 350 destinations in 48 countries, American Airlines is more than just an airline; it’s a gateway to the world.

The Journey Begins

Back in 1929, when Robertson Aircraft Corporation and Colonial Air Transport merged to form The Aviation Corporation, little did they know that this union would lead to one of the most recognizable names in aviation. In 1934, the corporation was rebranded as American Airways, marking a significant milestone in its history. By 1970, it had fully developed international business, and in 2001, it purchased Trans World Airlines (TWA), further expanding its reach.

Key Milestones

Developing Aircraft Innovations: American Airlines played a crucial role in the development of two significant aircraft: the DC-3, which first flew on December 17, 1935, and the DC-10, introduced after a specification from the airline to manufacturers in 1966. The DC-10 made its first flight on August 29, 1970, and entered commercial service with American Airlines on August 5, 1971.

Bankruptcy and Mergers

In 2011, due to a downturn in the airline industry, AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, filed for bankruptcy protection. In 2013, American Airlines merged with US Airways but kept the American Airlines name. This merger was a significant step towards consolidating its position as a major player in the aviation industry.

Network and Services

Hubs and Destinations: American Airlines operates ten hubs across the United States, including Charlotte for the southeastern United States and secondary Caribbean gateway, Chicago–O’Hare for the Midwest, and Dallas/Fort Worth as its largest hub overall. The airline is a member of the Oneworld alliance and has codeshares with several other airlines, offering passengers a wide range of destinations.

Classifications and Amenities

Premium Classes: American Airlines offers various classes to cater to different needs. Flagship First provides wider food options, larger seats, lounge access at certain airports. Flagship Business is the international business class product offering full lie-flat seats, multi-course meals, lounge access, and complimentary beverages on select flights.

Main Cabin Classes: The airline’s main cabin classes include Domestic first class with 19-21 inch seat width, 37-42 inches of pitch, and includes standard economy snack offerings and meal service on longer flights. Premium Economy offers wider seats, more amenities, two free checked bags, priority boarding, enhanced food service, and free alcohol, available on widebody aircraft since 2016.

Customer Service and Sustainability

Customer Service: Despite its vast network and services, American Airlines has consistently ranked poorly in customer service rankings. Issues such as lost luggage and bumped passengers have been major concerns for years. However, the airline is committed to improving these areas.

Sustainability Initiatives

Emissions Reduction: In 2020, American Airlines reported CO2e emissions of 20,092 Kt and aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To support this goal, the airline purchased a carbon credit contract from Graphyte, a startup that compresses agricultural waste into biomass bricks to store underground.

Conclusion

American Airlines is not just an airline; it’s a symbol of American aviation history and innovation. From its humble beginnings in 1930 to becoming the largest airline by scheduled passengers carried, American Airlines has come a long way. As it continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: American Airlines will always be at the forefront of air travel, offering unparalleled services and destinations.