Pathway to net zero

Pathway to net zero

Our aim is to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050. To drive progress, we have set an intermediate, science-based target to reduce GHG emissions intensity by 45% by 2035, relative to a 2019 baseline. This includes both direct emissions (Scope 1) and the indirect emissions (Scope 3) from the production of the jet fuel we use and the consumption of jet fuel used by our contracted regional carriers.

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.

Reduce GHG emissions intensity by 45% by 2035 (SBTi-approved target). Target net zero emissions by 2050.
  • Flight operations & efficiency
  • Fleet renewal**
  • Next generation aircrafts
  • Sustainable aviation fuel
  • Airspace modernization
  • Upstream emissions savings from jet fuel
  • Carbon offsets
~70% of our total capital expenditures in 2023 were allocated to efforts that also provided decarbonization benefits

Aligning capital spending with our net zero pathway

Much of American’s capital spending — from the billions of dollars we have invested in our fleet to our ongoing fuel-saving initiatives — brings the added benefit of supporting our GHG reduction targets.

More on capital spending and decarbonization (opens in new tab)

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 9.8% compared with 2013, based on fuel burn per available seat mile, avoiding 22.9 million metric tons of CO2e.

Youngest mainline fleet among U.S. network carriers 9.8% improvement in fuel efficiency since 2013

Working to make hydrogen fuel cell-powered flight a reality

Hydrogen — a low-carbon source of energy when it is produced using renewable electricity — offers the potential to play a central role in decarbonizing aviation, but major challenges remain. American is helping to catalyze the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, and we have made a strategic investment in ZeroAvia to advance development of hydrogen-powered regional jets.

More on 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.
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