Sustainable operations

Sustainable operations

Reducing our carbon footprint is the most significant way American can minimize our impact on the environment, but we also work hard to improve environmental sustainability across all of our operations. Our Environmental Policy Statement (opens in new tab) articulates American’s commitment to developing and implementing sustainable business practices designed to address climate change, efficiently use natural resources, reduce waste, prevent pollution, reduce noise, conserve biodiversity and help stop deforestation.

Sourcing renewable energy

In 2019, we set a goal of sourcing 2.5 million gigajoules (GJs) of cost-competitive renewable energy to power our operations by 2025. We met that goal two years ahead of schedule. As part of this initiative, we purchased more than 673,000 GJs of electricity in 2023 from renewable sources for our headquarters facilities and operations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). These facilities were 100% powered by renewable energy.

100% powered by renewable energy in our headquarters and DFW operations

Leveraging environmentally preferable alternatives in the cabin and cargo

American has long recycled most cans, paper, bottles and other trash removed from our aircraft. We have also been exploring the possibility of using recycled plastic alternatives. Additionally, nearly all the pillows, duvets and blankets created for American flights are made with recycled fibers that maintain a premium feel. In our Cargo operations, expanded use of BioNatur Plastics™ instead of traditional plastic stretch wrap and pallet covers helped American reduce long-term plastic waste in landfills in 2023 by over 150,000 pounds (equivalent to approximately 8.6 million plastic bottles).

Identifying opportunities for composting and reducing food waste

Our new catering facility at DFW, which opened in 2023, was built with sustainability in mind. The largest airline catering kitchen in the country, it participates in a program that turns food waste into compost. As trays and dishes are cleaned, this waste is collected by a vendor and distributed to farms and compost facilities. Preconsumer composting from this facility and our Admirals Club locations at DFW yielded more than 419,000 pounds in 2023.

Green building
American Airlines headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas

Incorporating green building and design principles

Many of our facilities across the United States have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. Three buildings at our corporate headquarters campus are LEED-Gold certified. Additionally, we’ve taken a sustainable approach to our new and redesigned Admirals Club lounges, using locally sourced wood whenever possible and focusing on their use of natural light and energy-efficient LED lighting.

We also have a number of programs at our Robert L. Crandall Campus in Fort Worth, Texas that help reduce waste, water, and save energy. For instance, we have implemented changes to our equipment that helps us save water by increasing water recycling.

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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