Centennial Celebrations at American Airlines Take Flight
- Joe Breitfeller
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
This year American Airlines is celebrating 100 years of flights, marking the carrier’s first airmail flight from Chicago to St. Louis in 1926. Starting today, the carrier’s celebrations for this milestone anniversary will be visible across a range of touchpoints.
On Monday (January 5, 2026), American Airlines announced the start of celebrations for their milestone centennial anniversary. In 1926, the story of one of the world’s most iconic airline brands started when a Robertson Aircraft Corporation DH-4 took off from Chicago bound for St. Louis carrying airmail. From that first flight to the launch of the airline’s industry-leading AAdvantage® program and the world’s first airport lounge to the future travel experience with Flagship Suite® seats, American continues to stand out as an airline industry pioneer and innovator. Starting today, customers will begin to see, and be a part of, American’s celebrations for a milestone of 100 years of flight.
In Monday’s announcement, American Airlines’ CEO, Robert Isom, said,
“American is proud to be among the small group of airlines that have celebrated 100 years of flight. There’s no brand in aviation more iconic than American, built on a culture of innovation and forward-thinking. We’re poised to continue that legacy into the next 100 years for our customers and team members.”
Marking the carrier’s 100th anniversary, a special centennial livery on a Boeing 737 will take flight later this month. This aircraft, which is one of the backbones of American’s industry-leading domestic and short-haul international network, pays homage to the past while looking to the future of travel. Toward the aft of the aircraft, the silver infinity rings, referred to as American’s centennial pattern, represent a subtle nod to the airline’s forward focus and infinite possibilities. Additionally, travelers will start seeing the airline’s centennial logo throughout various touchpoints during their travel journey.
The centennial logo seamlessly blends American’s brand with an infinity symbol to represent American’s enduring legacy and connection with its customers, and will be featured across the airline’s digital channels, social media channels, inflight entertainment screens and merchandise, including airplane models of the centennial livery. In addition, American is placing a special decal of the logo to its fleet of more than 1,500 aircraft, celebrating the airline’s centennial with every flight. Travelers can look forward to special centennial treats including amenity kits, pajamas, inflight dining offerings and more limited-time delights taking flight this year. Starting today, aviation enthusiasts can learn more about American’s first 100 years, read team member stories and purchase centennial merchandise by clicking here.
Founded in 1926, American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) offers more than 6,000 daily flights to over 350 destinations in more than 60 countries, and employs a team of over 130,000 aviation professionals. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose member airlines serve over 900 destinations worldwide. American Airlines’ mission is To Care for People on Life’s Journey®.
Source: American Airlines