American Airlines maintains single West Coast hub amid competitive pressures

Home
»
Stories
»
2025
»
February

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Qatar Airways In Talks To Buy 20% Of Virgin Australia - Airline Ratings

Boeing Will Buy Spirit AeroSystems For $4.7 Billion In Stock & Airbus Enters $559 Million Agreement For Its Parts

Bombardier Global Jet Production Stops in Toronto as Union Workers Strike | AIN

Global Industry News

American Airlines maintains single West Coast hub amid competitive pressures

Policy

American Airlines | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Feb 3, 2025

American Airlines operates only one major hub on the West Coast, located at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This distinguishes it from competitors like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, both of which have multiple hubs in the region. American's limited presence on the West Coast impacts its ability to operate a large number of transcontinental and transpacific flights.

While American does maintain a secondary hub at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, this location serves more as a regional hub for operations in the Mountain West rather than a gateway for Pacific travel. In contrast, United has major hubs at San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, while Delta maintains strong presences at LAX and Seattle/Tacoma International Airport.

American's market share at LAX is approximately 14.95%, slightly below that of Delta Air Lines and comparable to United Airlines, despite being its sole Pacific hub. The airline has focused on building its network around hubs in the Sun Belt region, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Miami International Airport.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Historically, American attempted to establish a second West Coast hub following its acquisition of AirCal in 1988 by setting up operations at San Jose Airport (SJC). However, infrastructure limitations and declining demand led to the closure of this hub. The airline subsequently concentrated resources on more profitable locations due to financial challenges faced in the 2000s.

Despite past efforts to expand its presence on the West Coast, American Airlines appears unlikely to pursue establishing another major hub in the region soon.

Organizations Included in this History

Simple Flying

More News

Alaska Airlines adds two cities and expands West Coast network with new routes

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta partners with chef José Andrés for new in-flight meals beginning November

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

TPG reviews award pricing after launch of Blue Sky partnership between JetBlue and United

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada announces major US route expansion from Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025