American Airlines, a major player in the global aviation industry and one of the United States' "Big 3" airlines, has a rich history dating back to 1926. Originally a brand for several small carriers, it became American Airways in 1930 following the merger of Robertson Aircraft and Colonial Air Transport. By 1961, it had grown to become the world's second-largest airline. After merging with various carriers over the years, including US Airways in 2015, American Airlines now holds the title of the world’s largest airline. The company operates a fleet of over 900 aircraft serving approximately 350 destinations.
The AAdvantage program, which began on May 1, 1981, was among the first frequent flyer programs globally. It allows passengers to earn miles based on distance flown that can be redeemed for flights or other rewards. With over 115 million members today, AAdvantage is one of history's most successful loyalty programs and has influenced customer retention strategies across various industries.
American Airlines boasts the largest fleet in the world with 974 aircraft as per planespotters.net data. This diverse fleet enables them to operate both domestic and international routes efficiently. Their mainline fleet includes models such as Airbus A319s and Boeing 737s. The airline operates hubs in nine U.S. cities including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport where its parent company is headquartered.