Past and Present – American Airlines
Interested in the history of air travel? Take a look at the phenomenal progression of American Airlines from its early years as a freight airline, to the multi-billion dollar company providing a world wide, world class flight service.
American Airlines fly to hundreds of destinations, and offer a huge range of cheap flights and airline tickets.
Here’s some background on the company. Robertson Aircraft was created in 1921 as a freight company. One of the company’s early pilots was Charles Lindbergh of “Lindbergh Baby” fame. Many small freight companies were drawn together under the establishment of the Aviation Corporation and then this was consolidated into American Airways.
American Airways developed the worlds first commercial flight in 1941 operating between Chicago and New York and shortly afterwards the route to Mexico was opened up. On-Flight catering developed in 1942 – so the travelling pubic could have something to eat on their journey as well as the crew! Until then, people took their own refreshments on board. The first inter-continental flights changed travel for ordinary people in a fundamental way – if you can get to the other side of the country in under a day, the whole country becames more accessible; Americans began to see and experience their own country, at a cost they could afford and in a managable time frame.
The real breakthrough in family travel came in 1948 when the Family Fare Plan was launched. This meant that the whole family could travel on an affordable ticket. The holiday industry was no longer exclusively for the rich – and consequently, the tourist industry turned its attention to developing services for lower budgets.
Development of Equal Opportunities
American Airlines was the world’s first airline to have a female pilot – Bonnie Tiburzi served for 26 years, retiring in 1999. The first female captain was employed in 1986 and the first all female crew flew a craft in 1987. American Airlines also established an Air Stewardess College at Fort Worth, which in time, needed amendment to include men. The stereotypes work both ways sometimes!
Company and Community Issues
Airline deregulation meant the rapid purchase and expansion of air routes, so it’s not surprising that by 1991, over a million passengers had boarded a plane. During the 1990’s the company began to address issues high on the radar of public awareness and consciousness. United Airlines offered support to a major US Breast Cancer campaign – committing to provided $1 million each year, for eight years to the MD Anderson Cancer Centre. Two planes were also decorated with the Pink Ribbon Insignia. American Airlines also provided internet and medical equipment on flights – which resulted in 82 people being saved by the use of defibrillators operated by trained flight attendants.
American Airlines were also picked to be the carrier for over 130 priceless Egyptian antiquities from London to the Dallas Museum of Art having been cleared as the most reliable airline for the task.
With environmental challenges facing all airlines, American Airlines have now opted for new 737’s which save an astronomic 800,000 gallons of fuel per trip – a 35% saving on fuel consumption.
