On April 15, 1926, the first regularly scheduled flight for American Airlines included a bag of U.S. mail in a DH-4 biplane from Chicago to St. Louis, Missouri.

Robertson Aircraft Corporation and more than 80 other small airline companies were consolidated in 1929 and 1930 into the Aviation Corporation, which eventually formed American Airways, the immediate forerunner of today’s American.

1930s

1933: American began flying the 18-passenger Curtiss Condor. Flight attendants — then called stewardesses — made their first appearance on an American aircraft

1934: American Airways was reorganized and became American Airlines, Inc.

1936: American is the first airline to fly the Douglas DC-3 in commercial service between New York and Chicago

1937: American carries its one millionth passenger

1939: All American Aviation — later US Airways — is founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

June 1939: American begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

1940s

1942: American enters the airline catering business with a subsidiary called Sky Chefs to provide food service for its passengers as well as those flying other airlines

October 1944: American operates its first scheduled air cargo flights from New York’s LaGuardia Airfield, marking the world’s first scheduled air cargo service

1945: American begins operating trans-Atlantic service for the first time with American Overseas Airlines

1946: American establishes its maintenance and engineering base in Tulsa, Oklahoma

1947: American introduces the fully pressurized Douglas DC-6, offering sleeper flights between New York and Los Angeles

1950s

1952: American introduces the Magnetronic Reservisor to keep track of seats available on flights

1953: American pioneers nonstop transcontinental service across the U.S. with the Douglas DC-7

1955: American opens its operation at ORD

1957: American opens the world’s first special facility for flight attendant training — the American Airlines Stewardess College — in Fort Worth, Texas

Jan. 25, 1959: American launches the first scheduled transcontinental U.S. passenger jet service with the Boeing 707 from Los Angeles to New York Idlewild (now Kennedy)

1960s

1960: American opens its new terminal at JFK

1964: American adds the Boeing 727 to its fleet

December 1964: American hires David E. Harris, the first Black U.S. commercial airline pilot

1966: American launches The American Way inflight magazine

1968: The legendary C.R. Smith retires as Chief Executive, having run the airline for more than 30 years

1970s

January 1970: American merges with Trans Caribbean Airways, gaining new Caribbean routes

1977: American launches “Super Saver” fares, offering discounted fares when purchased in advance

1979: American moves its headquarters from New York City to the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area

1980s

1981: American establishes its first hub in Dallas-Fort Worth

1982: American opens its Chicago hub

1983: America West commences operations in Tempe, Arizona

1984: American introduces the American Eagle system

September 1989: American opens its hub in Miami

December 1989: American announces plans to expand its Latin American service with routes from Eastern Airlines

1990s

1991: American celebrates its one billionth customer

1999: Oneworld alliance is launched by founding members American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines International, Cathay Pacific Airways and Qantas

2000s

January 2001: American announces plans to acquire the assets of Trans World Airlines (TWA)

Sept. 11, 2001: American tragically loses 23 people, including pilots, flight attendants and family members, in the events surrounding Flights 11 and 77

Sept. 27, 2005: US Airways merges with America West

2008: American introduces mobile boarding passes

2010s

2013: American merges with US Airways

May 2015: American flies its first revenue flight with the Boeing 787

August 2015: American’s Robert W. Baker Integrated Operations Center opens in Fort Worth

2017: Air Transport World magazine names American its 2017 Airline of the Year

Sept. 4, 2019: American retires the last of its MD-80 aircraft after 36 years as the workhorse of the airline’s fleet

Oct. 15, 2019: American celebrates 75 years of connecting the world through cargo operations

2020s

April 15, 2021: American celebrates its 95th birthday by helping to grant 95 wishes with a donation of 10 million AAdvantage® miles to Make-A-Wish

April 19, 2022: American becomes the first airline globally to receive validation from the Science Based Targets initiative for its 2035 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets

February 2023: Air Transport World magazine names American its 2023 Eco-Airline of the Year

2026: American celebrates its centennial

American Airlines announced:

In 1926, the story of one of the world’s most iconic airline brands started with a flight carrying mail from Chicago to St. Louis. And 100 years later, the story of that one flight unfolded into a global aviation leader: American Airlines. While there’s much to celebrate in 2026, customers will start to see and be a part of American’s celebrations for a milestone of 100 years of flight starting today. 

“American is proud to be among the small group of airlines that have celebrated 100 years of flight,” said Robert Isom, American’s Chief Executive Officer. “There’s no brand in aviation more iconic than American, built on a culture of innovation and forward-thinking. We’re poised to continue that legacy into the next 100 years for our customers and team members.” 

A centennial celebration for all customers

Travelers should get their cameras ready to capture a special centennial livery on a Boeing 737-800 later this month. This aircraft, which is one of the backbones of American’s industry-leading domestic and short-haul international network, pays homage to the past while looking to the future of travel. 

Toward the aft of the aircraft, the silver infinity rings, referred to as American’s centennial pattern, represent a subtle nod to the airline’s forward focus and infinite possibilities.

Travelers will also start seeing the airline’s centennial logo throughout various points in their travel journey — from the online booking process to airports and in flight. 

This centennial logo — a seamless blend of American’s brand with an infinity symbol to represent American’s enduring legacy and connection with its customers — will be featured across the airline’s digital channels, including aa.com, social media channels, inflight entertainment screens and merchandise, including airplane models of the centennial livery. In addition, the airline is placing a special decal of the logo to its fleet of more than 1,500 aircraft, celebrating American’s centennial with every flight.

Behind the design

The centennial livery utilizes the current livery design as a canvas with commemorations to the airline’s 100-year brand and progress. Evoking a sense of familiarity, the aircraft has been thoughtfully layered with details telling a deeper story:

• Silver infinity rings: These striking visual rings symbolize enduring legacy and infinite possibilities. The abstract circular motion ties back to the infinity icon embedded in American’s centennial logo.
• Three shades of gray: Each ring is painted in a different gray tone representing our past, present and future. This gradient of grays honors American’s history while embracing the future.
• Mica finish: The rings shimmer with a mica-infused finish, adding depth and brilliance. This isn’t just aesthetic — it’s a tribute to the airline’s illustrious heritage and premium experience, catching the light like the polished aluminum of the early fleet but with a modern twist. It’s a reminder that while styles evolve, the spirit of American Airlines endures.

Meanwhile, the remainder of American’s fleet will include decals commemorating the airline’s centennial at the boarding door. These decals are already flying on some aircraft and will be applied across the airline’s fleet of more than 1,500 aircraft.

Throughout 2026, American will be thoughtfully celebrating its centennial year with customers and team members. Travelers can look forward to special centennial treats including amenity kits, pajamas, inflight dining offerings and more limited-time delights taking flight this year. 

Dive deeper into American’s centennial

American has launched a special website to pay homage to the airline’s rich history. Starting today, visit aa.com/american100 to learn more about American’s first 100 years, read team member stories and purchase Centennial merchandise.

Throughout 2026, American’s history of innovation, connection, customer experience, teamwork and loyalty will be on display for customers to learn more about how the airline has evolved and persevered over the past 100 years. 

In 1926, a Robertson Aircraft Corporation DH-4 took off from Chicago bound for St. Louis with mail in tow. With that flight, the roots of modern-day American were sowed. From that first flight to the launch of the airline’s industry-leading AAdvantage® program and the world’s first airport lounge to the future travel experience with Flagship Suite® seats, learning more about American’s history and legacy is available at the click of a button. 

Citi® / AAdvantage® Mastercard® cardmembers can celebrate with limited-edition centennial credit cards 

New Citi® / AAdvantage® Mastercard® cardmembers now have a chance to carry a piece of history in their wallets.

To celebrate American’s centennial milestone, starting today for a limited time, all new and reissued Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® and Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® credit cards will feature an exclusive commemorative design showcasing American’s centennial logo.

Whether it is in a customer’s wallet or flying above the clouds on American’s aircraft, the centennial logo demonstrates the airline’s commitment to keep moving forever forward.

Now that the Eastern Caribbean airspace has reopened, it’s all hands on deck at American to take care of the airline’s customers and help as many get to and from the region as possible. In addition to the flexibility provided by the airline’s travel alert and the fare caps in place, American has so far added nearly 5,000 additional seats to and from the region on top of resuming scheduled service Sunday, Jan. 4. This includes adding a number of extra flights and, where possible, deploying larger aircraft — including a Boeing 777-300, the largest aircraft in American’s fleet — to add as much lift as possible to support as many customers as possible. That work will continue as the American team does everything it can to help customers affected by the FAA-mandated airspace closure.

American is grateful to its team members for their swift work to support the airline’s customers and to its federal partners for the coordination and communication throughout the closure. 

Additional flying for Jan. 4

The following extra flights have so far been added:

Antigua, Antigua (ANU)

• AA9621 (MIA-ANU)
• AA9622 (ANU-MIA)

Aruba, Netherland Antilles (AUA)

• AA9605 (CLT-AUA)
• AA9607 (AUA-CLT)
• AA9616 (AUA-MIA)
• AA9618 (MIA-AUA)

Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI)

• AA9615 (BGI-MIA)

Curacao, Netherland Antilles (CUR)

• AA9617 (ORD-CUR)
• AA9619 (CUR-ORD)

Melville Hall, Dominica (DOM)

• AA9630 (MIA-DOM)
• AA9631 (DOM-MIA)

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

• AA9603 (CLT-SJU)
• AA9604 (SJU-CLT)
• AA9609 (MIA-SJU)
• AA9610 (SJU-MIA)

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT)

• AA9608 (MIA-STT)
• AA9608 (STT-MIA)

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (STX)

• AA1485 (ORD-STX)
• AA2205 (STX-ORD)

St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles (SXM)

• AA9611 (MIA-SXM)
• AA9612 (SXM-MIA)

St. Lucia, St. Lucia (UVF)

• AA9623 (CLT-UVF)
• AA9624 (UVF-CLT)

More flying on Jan. 5 with a Boeing 777-300

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

• AA9604 (MIA-SJU)
• AA9605 (SJU-MIA)
• AA9606 (MIA-SJU)
• AA9613 (SJU-MIA)

 American Airlines is taking its ongoing expansion in Chicago to the next level with 100 new daily departures from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — bolstering its schedule with additional flights to more than 75 popular destinations just in time for spring break. The airline’s largest ORD spring schedule on record enhances the strongest network in the U.S. and means more for American’s customers: more flights, more choices, more popular destinations and more opportunities to see the world. Additionally, the airline is expanding its summer seasonal service from ORD to two sought-after European destinations: Paris and Dublin. It’s the latest in American’s comprehensive expansion plan that has already enhanced the customer experience, improved operational reliability and deepened its century-long roots in the Chicago community.

• American continues to strengthen its network at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with 100 additional daily departures to more than 75 destinations in time for spring break travel. 
• The airline is adding even more flights for spring, including double the service from ORD to popular spring break destinations — like Las Vegas (LAS); Panama City, Florida (ECP); and Sarasota, Florida (SRQ) — and more than double the flights from ORD to Savannah, Georgia (SAV), and San Francisco (SFO) compared to what was originally available for sale for spring 2026.
• A year of strategic ORD investments in 2025 sets the stage for American’s record spring break operation, reaching 500 departures from ORD in March and restoring prepandemic levels of flying. 
• The expansion represents 21% more departures than what was originally for sale this spring and a 30% increase in spring departures compared to 2025, solidifying American’s ORD operation as the fastest-growing legacy carrier hub in the country.
• This is the latest in American’s comprehensive expansion plan that has already added 29 new destinations from ORD, as well as enhanced the customer experience and improved operational reliability.

Chicago’s spring break boost

American’s largest-ever ORD spring operation gives Chicago travelers more options to reach top destinations across its global network while boosting tourism to the city and offering more customers a convenient one-stop connection through ORD.

The airline is adding 100 peak daily departures to its spring schedule with increased service in 75 markets, including Boston (BOS); Cincinnati, Ohio (CVG); Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW); Fort Myers, Florida (RSW); and Orlando, Florida (MCO). The airline is doubling its service from ORD to popular spring break destinations like Las Vegas (LAS); Panama City, Florida (ECP); and Sarasota, Florida (SRQ), as well as well as offering more than twice as much service from ORD to Savannah, Georgia (SAV), and San Francisco (SFO) than what was originally available for spring 2026.

This expansion brings peak ORD operations to more than 500 daily departures this spring, representing 30% more departures than last spring. Reaching 500 peak daily departures solidifies ORD’s spot as the third-largest hub in American’s global network and among the top 10 largest hub operations of all major U.S. carriers. It also extends its spot as the fastest-growing legacy airline hub this year.

These additional flights are now available for purchase through American’s mobile app or aa.com.

Further strengthening American’s ORD network

The airline announced today the extension of summer seasonal service from ORD to Dublin to operate about a month longer and Paris to operate three months longer than previous seasons. The extended seasonal service is part of American’s globe-spanning international network connecting customers with the airline’s best-in-class group of global partners.

American kicked off a major expansion at ORD in summer 2025 with 20% more flights and 22% more seats compared to the 2024 summer schedule. Since then, the airline added nearly 30 new destinations to its ORD network, including Honolulu (HNL), Mexico City (MEX), Madrid (MAD) and Chicago’s only nonstop service to Naples, Italy (NAP). Additionally, the airline doubled service to warm weather destinations this winter in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America — making American the leading carrier from ORD to the region — and increased frequencies to traditional business markets like Seattle (SEA), Houston (IAH), Fayetteville/Bentonville, Arkansas (XNA), and more to provide customers more flexibility.

The power of hubs

Airline hubs act as “connection factories,” driving economic growth and business development in their home cities while strengthening regional communities with crucial air service. They multiply travel opportunities for business and leisure by offering convenient one-stop connections, creating a ripple effect that fuels local economies, generates jobs and gives customers more choices.

American’s recent expansion at ORD delivers on that promise, bringing more tourism and business opportunities to Chicago while giving travelers in smaller markets access to a vast global network and unmatched flexibility. With added service to destinations like Cedar Rapids, Iowa (CID); Bloomington, Illinois (BMI); Flint, Michigan (FNT); and more, American’s ORD hub opens doors for customers, helping them expand business reach and make long-haul travel a reality.

As the nation’s largest dual-hub airport, ORD has long thrived on strong competition among hub carriers, which keeps fares lower and doubles options for travelers. With three new peak daily flights to SFO and Cleveland (CLE) and two to Denver (DEN), customers now have even more ways to travel to, from and through Chicago, and, importantly, they have more choice.

Travel experience upgrades draw customer loyalty

American’s expansion goes beyond adding flights through a comprehensive strategy to secure American’s position as the airline of choice at ORD. Chicago travelers are responding to American’s enhanced focus on customer experience that spans every facet of the travel journey. In the third quarter, enrollments in American’s industry-leading AAdvantage^® loyalty program grew 7% systemwide year over year, with Chicago leading the way at approximately 20% growth, more than double the system average.

• Customer-first commitment: This year, American renewed its focus on the customer experience with a holistic look at the travel journey. Enhancements include a redesigned mobile app, connection-saving technology and the new premium-configured Boeing 787-9 aircraft that is becoming the mainstay of American’s Chicago-London service. 
• A more reliable operation: Strategic investments in operational performance — including the airline’s new boarding process, new devices and initiatives that improve baggage handling and technology that streamlines aircraft pushback — have contributed to a more reliable operation at ORD. American was the most on-time hub carrier at ORD this year.
• New gates fuel ongoing growth: American recently made a significant investment in its operational presence at ORD with the acquisition of two new gates, which made way for three new destinations, resulting in 29 destinations added to ORD in 2025. 
• More premium options: After upgrading all flights to operate on dual-class regional jets, American is the only hub carrier to offer premium options on every flight from ORD. 

• 29 new destinations from ORD in 2025 
• Fastest-growing legacy airline hub in the U.S. this year 
• Largest-ever spring operation in 2026 with 500+ departures, driven by 100 additional peak daily flights 
• 500+ departures planned from ORD next summer
• Currently the only hub carrier to return to all markets served in summer 2025 
• First airport in American’s network with new self-service kiosks and reconfigured lobby for faster and smoother check-in
• Revamped boarding process improving on-time departures, enhancing jetbridge flow and reducing gate-checked bags by 25%
• New connection-saving technology implemented this summer at ORD, saving thousands of customer connections systemwide 
• Only carrier at ORD offering premium seats on every flight after replacing smaller aircraft with dual-class regional jets equipped with Wi-Fi 
• Chicago customers first to experience American’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 premium aircraft, deployed to ORD before anywhere else 
• Most on-time hub carrier at ORD in 2025, leading on-time departures during nine of 11 months so far this year
• Partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) biometric system at ORD, reducing time spent clearing immigration for U.S. citizens without Global Entry and increasing flow for all customers
• Collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to install TSA PreCheck^® Touchless ID, enabling AAdvantage^® members to clear security faster than ever before

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