American Airlines celebrates 90 years of aviation and innovation

FORT WORTH, Texas – Today,American Airlines celebrates 90 years of leading the world of commercialaviation, connecting families, businesses and cultures around the globe.

American’s long, proud history began on themorning of April 15, 1926, when legendary aviator Charles A. Lindbergh, thechief pilot of Robertson Aircraft Corporation, stowed a bag of mail in his DH-4biplane and took off from Chicago, headed to St. Louis.

Nine decades later, Robertson iscounted as one of the many airlines that would eventually make up what is nowthe world’s largest carrier – American Airlines.

“American is 100,000 strong andinnovating every day in large and small ways. Working in this industry is anoble profession, and working for American is a special calling, said

Doug Parker, American’s Chairmanand CEO. “It has been a terrific 90 years for our airline and our best days lieahead.”

To celebrate American’s 90th birthday,customers on American Airlines flight 90 from Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrowwill enjoy a special sendoff celebration.

The cockpit crew will display aflag with the original American Airlines logo out the aircraft window on taxiout, in honor of an old tradition at American. The placement of the flagsbearing the company logo was unique to the “Flagship Fleet” of AmericanAirlines.

The pennant location and the placementof the passenger door on the American Airlines DC3s were located on the rightside of the aircraft.

Passengers and spectators at theterminal could readily watch the ceremonial placement of the flag at theaircraft’s arrival.

To celebrate the occasion,customers on flight 90 will receive a very special treat from Chicago’s worldfamous Garrett Popcorn Shops® and a commemorative photo album.

Throughout the day, American’semployees will join the birthday celebration with festivities at airportsaround the world. Follow the celebration on social media using #HBDAmerican.

American’s history as acommercial aviation pioneer has continued since Lindbergh’s first flight.

American was the first airline tointroduce nonstop transcontinental travel in 1953 and the first airline to hirean African American commercial pilot, Dave Harris, in 1964. The companyinvented loyalty programs when it introduced AAdvantage in 1981, and American mergedwith US Airways to regain its place as the world’s largest carrier in 2013.