American Airlines has been in business for nearly 100 years. Over the years, the carrier has become one of the United States of America’s leading airlines, with major hubs all across the country.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this leading USA-based airline. In no particular order, here are 15 key facts about American Airlines, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
1. American Airlines’ history traces back to the 1920s
American Airlines’ story began in 1926. According to the airline’s official website, AA’s rich history dates back to when famed aviator Charles A. Lindbergh, then chief pilot at Robertson Aircraft Corporation, loaded a bag of mail into his DH-4 biplane and flew from St. Louis to Chicago.
Robertson Aircraft Corporation is one of the many airlines that eventually merged to form what is now American Airlines.
2. The airline began carrying passengers in the 1930s
American became the first airline to fly the Douglas DC-3 with passengers in 1936.
The service was between New York and Chicago.
3. AA’s headquarters is located in Texas
American Airlines’ corporate offices are located at 1 Skyview Drive, MD 8B351, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
4. The airline has several hubs
American Airlines has several major hubs across the United States, including Dallas/Fort Worth, New York-JFK, Los Angeles, and Chicago-O’Hare.
5. American Airlines is a member of a major airline alliance
AA has been a member of the oneworld alliance since its inception.
The airline founded the alliance with British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and the now-defunct Canadian Airlines.
6. How many aircraft does American Airlines have in its fleet?
According to AirFleets, American Airlines has 968 aircraft in its active fleet.
The fleet includes 302 active Boeing 737-800s and 217 active Airbus A321-200s.
7. AA serves over 300 destinations
The airline operates services within North America, as well as services to Africa, Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and Oceania.
8. It operates over 6,000 flights per day
According to Airport Technology, American Airlines operates 6,800 flights per day.
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9. The airline has a frequent flyer program
American Airlines’ frequent flyer program is called AAdvantage.
Through the scheme, customers can earn miles and loyalty points.
10. American Airlines has a regional airline
American Eagle is the name of American Airlines’ regional carrier.
Much like AA, American Eagle has hubs all across the United States, serving a plethora of destinations.
Every day brings something new, and our Integrated Operations Center works around the clock to keep our operation moving for our customers. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/L7wqvqzFhs
— americanair (@AmericanAir) January 17, 2024
11. AA employs over 140,000 staff
According to AA’s official website, the airline currently has a workforce of more than 140,000 individuals.
12. American Airlines merged with US Airways in 2013
Back in 2013, it was confirmed that American Airlines had merged with US Airways.
US Airways was a major carrier in the United States prior to the merger.
13. AA has codeshare agreements with several airlines
In addition to its partners in the oneworld alliance, American Airlines has codeshare agreements with Aer Lingus, Air Tahiti Nui, Cape Air, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, GOL Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, IndiGo, JetBlue, JetSMART, and Silver Airways. A codeshare is an arrangement in which a carrier sells and markets another airline’s tickets as its own.
14. American Airlines has had almost sixty aircraft hull losses
Throughout its history, American Airlines has experienced several major incidents that have unfortunately led to the loss of life and the destruction of aircraft beyond repair.
15. Two AA aircraft were hijacked and destroyed in the September 11 attacks
On September 11, 2001, a day the world will never forget, two American Airlines aircraft were hijacked. AA11 was deliberately flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, while AA77 was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia.
Meanwhile, that same morning, a United Airlines plane was deliberately flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, while a second United Airlines aircraft failed to reach its intended target and crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
This article was updated on October 9, 2024.
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