Pathway to net zero

Pathway to net zero

Our aim is to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050, and we have set an intermediate target to drive progress toward that goal. In April 2022, we received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) that our intermediate, 2035 GHG reduction target complies with the SBTi criteria for its first aviation pathway. That makes us the first airline globally to achieve this milestone.

Our Climate Strategy

American’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is focused on driving operational and technical progress across several key levers — some of which we have the ability to influence directly, and some of which will require action and collaboration within our industry, across sectors and by policymakers.

American's directional pathway to net-zero in 2050*

Chart showing contributions towards net zero emissions by 2050

*Includes Scopes 1 and 2 as well as Scope 3, Categories 3 and 4. This directional pathway does not reflect levers that are inherently more difficult to measure in terms of avoided CO2e, such as the direction or pace of policy and regulatory changes. Percentages are estimates based on best-available information.

**Fleet renewal is a lever that American controls only to the extent that manufacturers deliver new aircraft as scheduled.

  • Flight operations & efficiency
  • Fleet renewal**
  • Next generation aircrafts
  • Sustainable aviation fuel
  • Airspace modernization
  • Upstream emissions savings from jet fuel
  • Carbon offsets

Fleet renewal

A key component of our climate strategy is replacing older, less fuel-efficient aircraft with new, more efficient ones. Largely as a result of flying these more-efficient aircraft, we have improved our fuel efficiency by 10.4% compared with 2013, based on fuel burn per available seat mile. That adds up to 2.4 billion gallons of fuel saved and nearly 23 million metric tons of CO2 avoided from 2013 through the end of 2022.

Youngest mainline fleet among U.S. network carriers 22.7 metric tons of CO2 avoided due to more efficient aircraft

Working to make hydrogen fuel cell-powered flight a reality

Hydrogen offers the potential to be a game-changing fuel source for aviation. It produces only water vapor as a byproduct when used in a fuel cell since it has no carbon content to start with. American is helping to catalyze the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion technology as well as hydrogen distribution logistics. We are doing that, in part, through strategic investments in companies such as ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen.

More about our hydrogen investments (opens in new tab)
Cloudy skies on a sunny day

Visit our Resource Center for links to numerous American Airlines documents, policies, webpages and other sources of information about our company’s approach on various sustainability topics.

Sustainability at American Airlines

Our annual sustainability report details American’s approach to managing our priority sustainability issues, along with highlights of our progress and performance during the year.

About American Airlines

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