American Airlines
The world's third-largest airline by passengers transported, American Airlines was originally founded in 1930 as American Airways and began operation in 1934. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, the airline has an extensive domestic and international network, serving locations throughout North America, Latin and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.
The distinctive AA logo was designed in 1967 by Massimo Vignelli and is still in use today. The logo is one of the few in existence that hasn't changed over the years. American is the only major U.S. airline to leave its aircraft largely unpainted, with the exception of the logo and striping.
Mergers
As with other U.S. domestic airlines, American has had its share of ups, downs and mergers. In April 2001, American Airlines officially merged with Trans-World Airlines (TWA) and began a downward spiral after the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks, during which two of their aircraft were used. Facility closures, staff cuts and other cost-cutting measures were implemented to offset the downturn in passenger reservations.
In April 2008, to combat skyrocketing fuel costs, American Airlines grounded much of their fleet and implemented route cutbacks as well as passenger surcharges for baggage and reservation changes.
Recent years have yielded merger and acquisition rumors, most recently including negotiations with Japan Airlines (JAL). In a battle with Delta for a JAL partnership, American Airlines came out on top, with JAL announcing in February 2010 that it will strengthen its relationship with American and the Oneworld airline alliance.
2010 brought expansion to American Airlines, with a new interline partnership with JetBlue Airways, new domestic routes available from its JFK and LaGuardia hubs, expanded Los Angeles service, and new routes to Japan and China.
Fleet
American Airlines was the first airline to announce full in-flight internet service in August 2008.
Consisting of 634 aircraft as of August 2010, American’s fleet is largely made up of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80, which will gradually be replaced by the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing’s next-generation narrow-body aircraft, the Y1.
American Airlines currently uses a large number of Boeing 767, 777, 757, and 737 aircraft as part of its fleet as well, to service varying route and passenger requirements. American's previous fleet of Airbus A300's was grounded in August 2009 and is now enjoying retirement in Roswell, New Mexico, after 21 years of hard-working service.
Other information
An American Airlines 747-100 was acquired and used by NASA with full AA coloration as a Shuttle Carrier for the Space Shuttle Enterprise, while another 747-100 was used in the film Airport 1975.
American Airlines was awarded the 2005 Governor's Award by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for its efforts to prevent pollution and promote environmental protection through the use of recycled water. Water that's used to wash aircraft is captured and treated, then used for processing rinse water tanks and landscape irrigation.
Airline website American Airlines |
