American Airlines Earns Spot on Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 2ND Year
American Airlines has once again been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, earning a spot on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the second consecutive year. This accolade underscores the airline’s leadership in advancing sustainability practices within the aviation industry. American Airlines is one of only two passenger airlines globally to be included in this prestigious Index. Additionally, the company has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America) for the fourth year running.
“We are proud to be recognized for the progress we’ve made to advance sustainability and resilience in aviation,” said Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines. “Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team members, American continues to improve the reliability of our operations, support our team and customers, and back innovative solutions to drive a sustainable future for aviation.”
The DJSI World identifies global sustainability leaders based on S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment. This Index includes the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index, evaluated on long-term economic, environmental, and social criteria. American Airlines’ inclusion reflects its ongoing commitment to addressing key sustainability challenges and driving meaningful progress in the industry.
American’s efforts to advance sustainability and operational excellence are highlighted in its 2023 Sustainability Report, which outlines its strategies and achievements over the past year. Key initiatives and accomplishments include investments in its workforce, industry-leading operational performance, and groundbreaking partnerships to promote environmental sustainability.
Investing in Team Members
In 2024, American Airlines reached a landmark five-year agreement with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), benefiting 28,000 flight attendants. This agreement, valued at over $4.2 billion, delivers enhanced compensation and quality-of-life benefits. Additionally, the airline secured a 27-month agreement with the Transportation Workers Union and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (TWU-IAM) Association. This agreement provides increased compensation for more than 35,000 employees across Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo, and Central Load Planning teams.
These agreements reflect American’s commitment to its workforce and dedication to fostering a supportive and equitable workplace. Reinforcing this commitment, American received a perfect score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index, earning recognition as one of the best places to work for disability inclusion.
Operational Reliability and Growth
In a year marked by a 5.7% increase in passenger numbers, American Airlines upheld its industry-leading record for on-time departure and arrival performance. This achievement highlights the airline’s focus on operational efficiency and its ability to adapt to growing demand while maintaining a high standard of service. By prioritizing reliability, American continues to enhance the travel experience for millions of customers worldwide.
Pioneering Environmental Initiatives
American Airlines has taken significant steps to advance environmental sustainability, aligning with the aviation industry’s net-zero goals. In collaboration with Google Research and Breakthrough Energy, American participated in a groundbreaking study on contrail avoidance. The study’s findings could play a critical role in reducing aviation’s climate impact by identifying strategies to minimize contrail formation.
Additionally, the airline deepened its partnership with ZeroAvia to explore hydrogen-powered flight technologies. In July 2024, American announced a conditional purchase agreement for 100 hydrogen-electric engines, marking the largest order to date for ZeroAvia. These engines are intended to power regional jets, representing a bold step toward the adoption of sustainable aviation technologies.
American Airlines’ commitment to innovation and collaboration in environmental sustainability positions it as a leader in the transition to greener aviation. The company’s proactive efforts to invest in cutting-edge technologies and partnerships demonstrate its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and driving systemic change within the industry.