American Airlines flight attendants ratify new agreement

American Airlines flight attendants, represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), this week ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The contract will deliver significant and immediate improvements in compensation, benefits and quality-of-life provisions.

“It’s an exciting day for American's nearly 28,000 flight attendants and our entire airline,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “Reaching an agreement for our flight attendants has been a top priority, and today, we celebrate achieving this important milestone. Both the APFA and company negotiating teams had a shared mission of delivering an agreement our flight attendants have earned, and I greatly appreciate their work and relentless focus.

“I want to personally thank APFA President Julie Hedrick for her leadership through these negotiations and in her daily leadership of the industry’s best flight attendants. I also wish to thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other partners in the Administration for their support throughout this process. And a special thanks to the American team for their exceptional work in reaching an agreement we’re all proud of.”

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American welcomes fall travel season with specialty Stand Up To Cancer kits

Summer fun may be ending, but it doesn’t mean the travel memories have to stop. During the next few weeks, customers flying on American Airlines will enjoy a new limited-edition specialty kit highlighting the airline’s longstanding fundraising campaign with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C).

Customers traveling in premium cabins on Flagship® long-haul international and transcontinental flights will receive the limited-edition SU2C specialty amenity kit featuring new skincare brands and products. This kit marks the second limited-edition specialty kit in a line of rotating amenities American introduced earlier this year.

These specialty kits further celebrate the SU2C fundraising campaign that launched last month. American’s customers and team members have supported the organization and its life-saving cancer research since 2016.

What’s in your kit?

In addition to featuring a QR code that gives customers an opportunity to donate to the SU2C campaign, the specialty kits introduce customers to new designer and skincare brands that have not flown with American before.

American collaborated with sustainable fashion brand Raven + Lily and the SU2C team to create the unique design of these kits. Featuring SU2C’s well-known colors of red, orange, yellow and black, along with the organization’s logo, the kits are a standout item customers will use well beyond their flight.

The limited-edition kits feature skincare brands Macabalm and Pholk Beauty.

Customers in Flagship® Business and Premium Economy will receive Pholk Beauty hand lotion and Macabalm lip balm, while customers in Flagship® First will receive hand lotion and facial mist from Pholk Beauty and lip balm and a towelette from Macabalm.

Inflight skincare routine? We’ve got you covered.

These exclusive products support a growing trend in travelers emphasizing the importance of inflight skincare routines to hydrate and nourish the skin.

The Pholk hand lotion featured in all kits is a vegan, multi-tasking and lightweight lotion that hydrates and smooths the skin with lasting moisture that won’t clog pores.

Customers flying in Flagship® First Class can take their inflight skincare one step further by using the Pholk facial mist, which is deeply hydrating, soothing and rich in Vitamin C.

The Macabalm lip balm featured in all kits can be used to hydrate lips, soften hands and cuticles, eliminate dryness, tame eyebrows, highlight cheekbones and temples, soothe irritations and protect the skin barrier thanks to hero ingredients such as shea butter, rosehip and jojoba.

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American Airlines invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work

American Airlines today announced nearly 500 new aviation maintenance jobs and additional lines of heavy maintenance work at the carrier’s maintenance bases in Charlotte, North Carolina; Pittsburgh; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The added headcount will allow the airline to perform additional heavy maintenance check work at these locations.

“American is excited to grow our talented Technical Operations workforce with more high-paying, skilled aviation maintenance positions,” said Greg Emerson, American’s Vice President of Base Maintenance and Facilities. “It’s an opportunity to grow our maintenance capacity and capabilities in the near-term and preserve them over the long run by continuing to build our pipeline of future maintenance team members — which is important work American has been doing for some time.”

Today’s hiring announcement is in addition to the more than 300 jobs recently added to American’s Tech Ops — Tulsa maintenance base thanks to a $22 million grant awarded by the State of Oklahoma’s Business Expansion Incentive Program in 2023. The grant is helping American further grow and improve the world’s largest commercial aircraft maintenance base, including American’s engine repair and overhaul facility.

“We’re very grateful to the State of Oklahoma Department of Commerce for this grant,” said Emerson. “As a direct result of this funding in 2023, we’ve already added hundreds of high-paying, skilled new jobs to the Tulsa economy and continue to make enhancements to our world-class maintenance facility.”

Creating new jobs for aviation maintenance professionals

The incremental maintenance positions are now available on the airline’s website today. By location:

• Charlotte: 133 total openings, including 122 AMTs
• Pittsburgh: 44 total openings, including 40 AMTs
• Tulsa: 321 total openings, including 227 AMTs

Candidates interested in joining American’s team can view open opportunities and apply online at jobs.aa.com.

American Airlines debuts summer 2025 schedule with new routes to Europe

American will offer customers five new routes to Europe starting in summer 2025.

While autumn is on the horizon, American Airlines is gearing up to bring more travelers to Europe next summer with five new routes. As the airline continues to grow its trans-Atlantic service, American will resume flights to Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI), for the first time since 2019 and add new routes to Athens, Greece (ATH); Madrid (MAD); Milan (MXP) and Rome (FCO).

“We look forward to providing customers more ways to visit their favorite destinations in Europe next summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “Resuming service to Edinburgh and adding new routes to other popular destinations across the continent will offer customers convenient access from American’s industry-leading domestic network to all that Europe has to offer.”

Tickets will be available for purchase starting 9th September on aa.com and American’s mobile app.

More new ways to explore Europe

From Philadelphia (PHL), customers will be able to connect from more than 80 destinations across the U.S. to 17 trans-Atlantic destinations, including new service to EDI that will give travelers convenient access to visit the towering castles and stunning natural landscapes of Scotland.

American will expand its schedule to Italy next year with new service from Miami (MIA) to FCO and PHL to MXP. American will serve FCO from six U.S. airports in 2025 — more than any other U.S. airline — and provide customers with the most one-stop itineraries from across the U.S. to experience Italy’s rich history and delectable cuisine.

With new service from Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT), to ATH, American will offer four daily flights to Greece in 2025, providing access to Greece from more U.S. airports than any other airline next summer.

For the first time ever, American will connect its Chicago (ORD) hub with MAD. American offers the most service of any U.S. airline to Spain, and customers will be able to expand their travel horizons with connections on American’s partners to onward destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

American Airlines CR Smith Museum inspires the next generation of aviators

On National Aviation Day, American Airlines honours the incredible achievements of the aviation industry and reflects on the boundless potential it holds for the future. In a field where innovation and exploration are fundamental processes, American is committed to building a diverse pipeline of future aviation professionals.

Empowering the next generation is crucial to the continued progress and advancement of modern flight. American supports several endeavours that offer hands-on instruction and interactive learning for young minds, including the American Airlines CR Smith Museum’s award-winning Aviation STEM Summer Camp.

With a focus on STEM, the week-long summer camp provides a robust, in-depth curriculum and exposure to inspiring industry professionals. This summer, American sponsored 56 students from Clinton P. Russell Elementary School and Girls Inc. of Tarrant County for a fully funded summer camp opportunity. Students were immersed in STEM concepts and aviation with the goal of helping them build confidence and recognize that career opportunities in these industries are within reach. By providing impactful educational programming to children of all backgrounds, American and the CR Smith Museum are broadening the aviation community.

American Airlines CR Smith Museum inspires the next generation of aviators

On National Aviation Day, American Airlines honours the incredible achievements of the aviation industry and reflects on the boundless potential it holds for the future. In a field where innovation and exploration are fundamental processes, American is committed to building a diverse pipeline of future aviation professionals.

Empowering the next generation is crucial to the continued progress and advancement of modern flight. American supports several endeavors that offer hands-on instruction and interactive learning for young minds, including the American Airlines CR Smith Museum’s award-winning Aviation STEM Summer Camp.

With a focus on STEM, the week-long summer camp provides a robust, in-depth curriculum and exposure to inspiring industry professionals. This summer, American sponsored 56 students from Clinton P. Russell Elementary School and Girls Inc. of Tarrant County for a fully funded summer camp opportunity. Students were immersed in STEM concepts and aviation with the goal of helping them build confidence and recognize that career opportunities in these industries are within reach. By providing impactful educational programming to children of all backgrounds, American and the CR Smith Museum are broadening the aviation community.

American Airlines extends pause on flights to Tel Aviv to March 2025

The U.S. mega-carrier American Airlines has extended its halt on flights to Tel Aviv from October 2024, to the end of March next year.

The airline stopped operating to the Israeli city in October 2023 following the start of the conflict that has brought misery death and destruction to thousands. 

A representative for the airline said "American Airlines has suspended operations to and from Tel Aviv through March 29, 2025. To provide additional flexibility, we will extend our travel alert allowing customers whose travel plans are impacted by this adjustment to rebook without a fee or cancel and receive a refund. We will continue to work closely with our partner airlines to assist customers travelling between Israel and European cities with service to the U.S.”

American Airlines and Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) campaign takes off to accelerate funding for cancer research

              American Airlines, in collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C), is launching its annual campaign to raise funds for innovative and life-saving cancer research and is inviting customers to contribute. The campaign kicked off with a powerful new public service announcement featuring actress, film producer and SU2C celebrity ambassador Rosario Dawson.

From now through Sept. 30, customers will receive 25 AAdvantage® bonus miles for every dollar they donate of $25 or more to Stand Up To Cancer.

Additionally, anyone who uses their AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit card to contribute between $25 and $10,000 will receive 50 AAdvantage® bonus miles per dollar through Sept. 30, or until $3 million has been donated, whichever comes first. To donate, customers can visit SU2C.org/AA.

"Cancer affects countless lives, including many of our own team members and their loved ones. Our eight-year partnership with Stand Up To Cancer has become an important part of our airline. It truly allows us to live out our purpose of caring for people on life’s journey while supporting Stand Up's vital mission of advancing life-saving research," said Ron DeFeo, American’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer.

Since joining forces in 2016, American has raised more than $20 million through fundraising efforts to benefit SU2C. In 2019, American debuted a campaign that allowed those who donated the chance to honor a loved one by including their name on an Airbus A321 aircraft wrapped in a special SU2C livery.

This year, to further highlight the campaign and give customers an opportunity to support the campaign’s important cause, American will launch a limited-edition specialty amenity kit design created in collaboration with sustainable fashion brand Raven + Lily.

The new Flagship® First Class and Flagship® Business Class kits feature the SU2C yellow, orange and red colors, along with Raven + Lily’s recognizable zig-zag trim, while the Premium Economy kit features the SU2C yellow. The limited-edition kits will feature new skincare brands and offerings. Customers can scan a QR code within the kits to easily donate to the campaign. The SU2C specialty kits will take flight later this year. This kit marks American’s second limited-edition amenity kit since the airline launched a new amenity kit program earlier this year.

“Cancer is a terrible thing to face alone. That’s why Stand Up To Cancer is proud to join American Airlines to highlight the incredible stories of how showing up can mean so much during a cancer journey,” said Rusty Robertson, Co-Founder of SU2C. “We thank Rosario Dawson for lending her voice to this campaign, as well as American Airlines and its customers, whose generous donations are putting essential funding into the hands of the top minds in science working tirelessly to accelerate the research and save lives now.”

American Airlines education foundation is fueling dreams with its annual scholarship award

The American Airlines Education Foundation is dedicated to supporting the educational aspirations of dependents of the airline’s team members. This year, the Education Foundation provided nearly $1 million in financial assistance to 336 students as part of its ongoing efforts to invest in future leaders.

The annual scholarship program awards $2,500 to eligible full-time undergraduate students at any accredited college, university or vocational program around the world. Additionally, 103 first-generation college students received an additional $1,000 to support their unique academic journey.

“We believe in the transformative power of education and are proud to support our community. We are honored to play a role in shaping brighter futures through education,” said Brady Byrnes, American’s Senior Vice President of Inflight and Premium Guest Services and President of the Education Foundation. “The Education Foundation reflects our steadfast dedication to our team members and their families.”

Howard Ungerleider elected to the board of directors of American Airlines

American Airlines Group announced the election of Howard Ungerleider, 55, to its board of directors. Ungerleider will serve on the board’s Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.

“We are very pleased to welcome Howard to American’s board of directors,” said American’s Chairman Greg Smith. “Howard is an accomplished executive who has held key commercial, financial and operational roles over three decades at Dow. His financial expertise and global business and leadership experience will make him a valuable member of our board.”

“Howard is a fantastic addition to the American Airlines board,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “His business acumen and extensive experience leading a complex, multinational organization will be important assets to American and our board.”

Ungerleider is currently an operating advisor to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Previously, he served as president and CFO of Dow Inc., where he was a member of Dow’s senior executive committee, which set the strategic direction, established corporate policy, and managed governance and enterprise-level decisions for the business. He retired from Dow in January 2024 after more than 30 years with the company.

American Airlines reports highest-ever quarterly revenue of $14.3 billion

The U.S. mega-carrier has released details of its performance during the last quarter,  which show the carrier scored its highest-ever quarterly revenue of over $14 billion.

• Highest-ever quarterly revenue of $14.3 billion.
• Second-quarter net income of $717 million, or $1.01 per diluted share. Excluding net special items1, second-quarter net income of $774 million, or $1.09 per diluted share.
• Generated operating cash flow of approximately $1.1 billion and free cash flow2 of approximately $850 million in the second quarter.
• Reduced total debt3 by approximately $680 million in the second quarter.
• On track to reduce total debt3 from peak levels by $15 billion by year-end 2025.
• Full-year adjusted earnings per diluted share4 expected to be between $0.70 and $1.30.

American’s CEO Robert Isom said:  "American has a fleet, network and product built to deliver results, but during the second quarter, we did not perform to our initial expectations due to our prior sales and distribution strategy and an imbalance of domestic supply and demand. We are taking this challenge head-on, with clear and decisive actions to deliver on a strategy that maximizes our revenue and profitability, and importantly, one that makes it easy for customers to do business with American. When we return to the level of revenue generation we know we can achieve, and we couple that with our operational reliability and best-in-class cost management, we will unlock significant value."

American has taken swift and aggressive action to reorient its sales and distribution strategy in ways that continue to be customer-centric while addressing feedback from corporate and agency partners. Since May, the airline has focused its near-term efforts in three areas:

Ensuring content availability

Restored content. American has reinstated competitive fares in the distribution channel traditionally used by travel agencies and corporate managed travel programs.

Removed plans to differentiate mileage earn by channel. Travelers continue to earn in the AAdvantage® program as usual, no matter where they book.

American Airlines to launch automated tag for mobility devices

American Airlines to launch an automated tag for mobility devices, part of an ongoing commitment to improve wheelchair and mobility device handling across its network. Developed in-house by American’s Technology team, the tags are currently used in the airports where American and its regional partners operate.

“American is committed to improving the travel experience for our customers who use wheelchairs and mobility devices,” said Julie Rath, American’s Senior Vice President of Airports, Reservations and Service Recovery. “Streamlining the check-in and tagging process is an industry-leading effort that will help us further improve how we handle wheelchairs for our customers who entrust us to transport their devices on their journey.”

New automated tags, replacing the previous manual tags, feature customer- and device-specific data like itineraries, delivery points, device weight, battery type and the number of items removed and taken on board. This additional information will ensure more accurate and consistent information for team members handling the devices and provide enhanced visibility of the devices throughout customers’ travel journeys. The automation also enables the device's information to be more easily shared across frontline team members’ applications, ensuring team members have the right information at the right time.

American has launched multiple improvements across its operation to deliver a positive, more seamless travel experience for customers with wheelchairs and mobility devices. These actions have helped American improve handling of these devices. American’s handling rate for mobility devices improved by nearly 13% from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024.

Hands-on training for team members: With the help of an outside organization, American offers in-person mobility device training to its Airport Customer Service and Customer Operations team members and vendor partners, which supplements comprehensive web-based training delivered to all American airport team members.

Investing in airport infrastructure: Wheelchair movers have been deployed and lifts are being installed at the airline’s hubs and other airports with high mobility device traffic, which helps lower the risk of damaging mobility devices and team member injury.

Streamlining the traveller experience: American made it easier for customers to add and maintain wheelchairs and other mobility devices as part of their travel profiles. Starting this fall, customers can conveniently access their saved travel preferences, such as traveling with a mobility device or service animal and apply their details to any upcoming trip when managing on aa.com. Enabling customers to manage these needs digitally ensures the airline has the necessary information to safety and securely transport devices.

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American Airlines orders 180 CF34 engines to power new Embraer 175 fleet

GE Aerospace announced that American Airlines has finalized an order for 180 CF34-8E engines plus spares to power its fleet of 90 new Embraer 175 regional jets.

"The CF34 engine has a long track record of success with American Airlines and we're grateful the American team is putting its trust in us again," said Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace. "This order, along with the CFM deals announced this spring with American, highlight our continued success at providing our customers industry-leading products and services."

More than 7,500 CF34 engines are in service with more than 900 Regional and Business Jet operators globally. The CF34-8E has accumulated more than 40 million flight hours and 29 million cycles since entering service on the Embraer E170/175 in 2004. Today, the CF34 engine line, which includes -3, -8, and -10 models, powers more than 2,500 regional commercial aircraft.

"The reliability and performance of the CF34 engine has been critical to our success for many years," said American's CFO Devon May. "We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with GE Aerospace as we invest in modernizing and strengthening our domestic and regional fleet."

American Airlines offers clear path to pilot career with enhanced Cadet Academy

The enhanced American Airlines Cadet Academy offers a clearer path to becoming a commercial airline pilot. By simplifying the process of transitioning from flight school to the flight deck, the program makes pilot careers at American more accessible. The Cadet Academy is also focused on attracting a diverse pool of qualified candidates through its growing network of partner flight schools and other industry alliances.

A “one-stop shop” for aspiring pilots

It’s not uncommon for aspiring pilots to navigate a maze of flight schools, applications and interviews on their quest to earn a spot with a major carrier. The American Airlines Cadet Academy cuts through this complexity by offering:

Quality flight schools: American has partnered with a network of five high-quality flight schools to provide cadets with a strong foundation for their careers.

“One-and-done” interviewing: Cadet Academy participants go through a single interview process, eliminating the need to interview with multiple airlines throughout their training journey.

Guaranteed placement: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a placement with one of American's wholly owned regional carriers. American recently established contractual flow-through agreements with each carrier, allowing cadets to transfer directly to the mainline operation once seniority accrues.

A clear path to American: This removes the uncertainty of the traditional application process that typically follows flight school graduation, allowing aspiring pilots to focus on training and skill development.

American Airlines Cadet Academy adds flight school partners

Since its launch in 2018, the Cadet Academy has grown its network of partner flight schools. Today, the program offers cadets a diverse range of training options through five established institutions with locations and capacity to support the airline’s mainline and wholly owned bases of operation:

Infinity Flight Group: American recently welcomed Infinity Flight Group as its first East Coast partner, expanding its network and geography. As the largest flight school in the Northeast, Infinity has a strong commitment to safety, excellence and professionalism and provides comprehensive training tailored to the goals of the Cadet Academy and its cadets. Locations: Trenton, New Jersey; St. Lucie County, Florida (coming soon)

CAE: CAE is a global leader in aviation training. The program’s best-in-class instruction includes access to training requirements from a variety of regulatory bodies, preparing cadets for a successful global career. Location: Mesa, Arizona

American Airlines named best place to work for disability inclusion for ninth consecutive year

American Airlines has received a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index® (DEI) and was named one of the best places to work for disability inclusion in 2024 for the ninth consecutive year. The DEI exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities.

"We are honored to be recognized as a best place to work for disability inclusion and to achieve a top score on the Disability Equality Index,” said Cedric Rockamore, American’s Chief Diversity Officer. “This recognition reaffirms our steadfast commitment to fostering an environment where people from all backgrounds and abilities feel welcomed, valued and celebrated. We are committed to building and nurturing an environment where our team members of all abilities feel empowered to thrive."

The DEI was launched in 2015 in the United States as a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. By completing the DEI, companies can demonstrate their commitment to disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issues.

"On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today's global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN.

Globally, people with disabilities represent 1.3 billion individuals. Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and it crosses lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and other demographics.

Learn more about the DEI at disabilityin.org.

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American Airlines Airbus evacuated over smoking laptop

An overheating laptop causes a fire on an American Airlines Airbus A321neo at San Francisco Airport on Friday. Local authorities say the aircraft was operating flight AA2045 to Miami that was scheduled to depart San Francisco when around 13:05 staff onboard reported seeing smoke inside the cabin, while passengers were boarding the jet.

Local media have reported that three people where injured during the incident, including one passenger whilst evacuating the aircraft via the emergency inflatable slide. 

American Airlines said:  “During boarding of American Airlines flight 2045 with service from San Francisco (SFO) to Miami (MIA), smoke was reported from inside a customer’s bag. - The bag was quickly removed by our crew members and all customers exited the aircraft. We thank our crew members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”

Passengers were taken back to the terminal and the FAA has been notified and will investigate the incident. 

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American Airlines and Tulsa Tech partner to develop aviation maintenance talent pipeline

                    Students in Tulsa Tech’s aviation maintenance technology program now have more than 3,000 new industry mentors thanks to a new partnership announced this week with American Airlines. Students now have direct access to the airline’s Tulsa-based aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) through ongoing engagement opportunities at the carrier’s maintenance base and on campus. Additionally, top-performing students will secure guaranteed interviews for open positions with the carrier.

While the partnership is new, it’s not the first time American and Tulsa Tech have worked together to inspire future AMTs. In 2011, American donated a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to the school, and the iconic aircraft continues to be used today to provide hands-on training opportunities. American’s Tulsa-based AMTs have also mentored award-winning Tulsa Tech student teams in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition.

American Airlines submits application to U.S. Department of Transportation to serve San Antonio International Airport from Washington Reagan National

American Airlines has formally submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate daily, nonstop service between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). The 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill was signed into law in May, awarding five new roundtrip flights serving DCA.

The city of San Antonio is the fastest-growing city in the United States and is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the country. It is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA, which is the most convenient airport for travellers visiting Washington, D.C.

American’s proposed service between SAT and DCA will complement the carrier’s more than 25 daily departures from SAT to seven cities across the U.S. In addition to offering convenient nonstop connectivity between San Antonio and the nation’s capital, American will offer one-stop connections via DCA to destinations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Canada.

“American is proud to submit an application to provide the only nonstop service between San Antonio and Washington, D.C.,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “This new service will expand American’s industry-leading domestic network connecting customers to the places they want to visit most.”

“Adding a nonstop route to Reagan National Airport is part of our efforts to expand air operations for the San Antonio region,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System. “We’re grateful to American Airlines for their shared vision to improve connectivity and for helping us elevate our service options with a route that will be especially beneficial to our business and military communities. This is yet another step in our commitment to modernize our airport and improve the traveler experience.”

“We have a historic opportunity to increase San Antonio’s access to the nation’s capital, which is particularly important for the members of our military community who rely on air connectivity for operational needs,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Nonstop access to the nation's capital will strengthen our economic ties with leaders in Washington, D.C. and enable greater collaboration with the Pentagon, other federal agencies and leading research institutions. We are grateful to American Airlines for partnering with us to establish this nonstop route that will greatly enhance our city's prosperity.”

For the only nonstop between SAT and DCA, American will use special flight numbers to commemorate the city’s rich history and significant military contributions. Flight 1718 recognizes the year San Antonio was founded and Flight 1947 celebrates the year the U.S. Air Force was established. American’s proposed operation is as follows:

Flight	Departure Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Airport	Arrival Time	Aircraft Type
1718	SAT	6:35 a.m.	DCA	10:59 a.m.	Airbus A321
1947	DCA	7:45 p.m.	SAT	10:20 p.m.	Airbus A321

American is prepared to support appropriate schedule adjustments that allow for the safe and efficient integration of its SAT-DCA service into operations at DCA and the broader Washington, D.C. metropolitan area airspace.

American Airlines releases 2023 Sustainability Report

American Airlines released its 2023 Sustainability Report this week, documenting its work to advance the company's strategy to address climate change and accelerate the broader solutions needed to decarbonize aviation, and sharing progress on other issues important to the company and its stakeholders — including safety, human capital and customer experience.

Key progress in 2023 includes American's collaboration with Breakthrough Energy and Google Research on groundbreaking contrail avoidance research, which will inform how the industry might address its impact on climate change. The report also includes a discussion of how American is extending its commitment to sustainability to its sourcing and procurement practices.

“Thanks to the hard work of our more than 140,000 team members, American continues to deliver for our customers while making strides toward our sustainability goals,” said American's CEO Robert Isom. “There is far more work to be done and many areas where we will continue to rely on policymakers and partnerships to make progress. But I'm proud of our record — from advancing the development of lower-carbon technologies, to our work to better develop and recruit a diverse and talented group of leaders with unmatched expertise throughout the company.”

American Airlines commits to conditional purchase of 100 ZeroAvia hydrogen-powered engines

 American Airlines today announced that it has entered into a conditional purchase agreement with clean aviation innovator ZeroAvia for 100 hydrogen-electric engines intended to power regional jet aircraft with zero inflight emissions save for water vapor.

In addition, American has increased its investment in ZeroAvia. American made its first investment in ZeroAvia in 2022 and has also now participated in the company’s Series C financing round. The engine agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding the companies announced in 2022.

ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell-powered) engines for commercial aircraft, which offer the potential for close to zero inflight emissions. The company is flight testing a prototype for a 20-seat plane and designing an engine for larger aircraft such as the Bombardier CRJ700, which American operates on certain regional routes.

“Advancing the transition of commercial aviation to a low-carbon future requires investments in promising technologies, including alternate forms of propulsion,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “This announcement will help accelerate the development of technologies needed to power our industry and uphold our commitment to make American a sustainable airline so we can continue to deliver for customers for decades to come.”