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FORT WORTH, Texas — From oranges to orangutans, American Airlines Cargo has moved the world since its first scheduled air cargo flight took off from New York’s LaGuardia Airfield on Oct. 15, 1944. Today, the airline celebrates 75 years of cargo service, extending its global impact far beyond its signature passenger service.
Airline implements industry-leading technology as it celebrates a history of firsts
FORT WORTH, Texas — From oranges to orangutans, American Airlines Cargo has moved the world since its first scheduled air cargo flight took off from New York’s LaGuardia Airfield on Oct. 15, 1944. Today, the airline celebrates 75 years of cargo service, extending its global impact far beyond its signature passenger service.
Throughout its 75-year tenure, American has celebrated a series of cargo industry firsts. Aside from its distinction as the first carrier to offer a scheduled cargo service, American was the first carrier to use containers designed specifically to safely transport pets. It was also the first to use time-saving cargo containers — called unit load devices — which allow crews to get cargo into planes faster.
Cargo’s global impact
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that 35% of the world’s trade value is moved via air cargo. Whether international or domestic, the cargo carried on American’s planes is a significant contributor to global commerce.
“More than 50% of Americans fly each year, and we have a large share of that responsibility. But we also impact those who don’t fly American, or don’t fly at all. By delivering the cargo consumers use on daily basis, we continue to connect people and connect the world through our cargo operation.”
— Rick Elieson, President of American Airlines Cargo
Cargo by the numbers
American carries 2 billion pounds of cargo annually
Enough fresh cherries to bake 7.5 million cobblers (10 million pounds of cherries)
Enough grapes to make nearly 600,000 bottles of wine (460,000 pounds of grapes)
Enough lobsters to feed 1,000 seafood-lovers every day for a year (380,000 pounds of lobster)
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Another key component of American’s cargo business includes pharmaceuticals, many of which are temperature-controlled lifesaving immunizations and medications. Immunization programs prevent an estimated 2 to 3 million child deaths per year, according to IATA. These programs rely on condition-sensitive, timely pharmaceutical shipments, which are made possible with temperature-controlled containers and cutting-edge technologies air cargo provides.
Future outlook
Cargo’s shipments fly below the wing of American’s 6,700 daily flights. With 6,200 loyal team members and vendor partners around the world, Cargo’s operations, procedures, training, sales teams, customer service representatives and loading technologies help deliver shipments safely and efficiently. This separate work group has earned the airline an award-winning reputation as an air cargo carrier.
American continues to focus its efforts on how it can modernize, innovate and connect the world in better way. This month, the airline implemented cutting-edge advancements to its cargo management system, marking the largest single investment in American’s cargo business to date. The first phase of the system launched Oct. 1 and gives customers a state-of-the-art online booking platform that makes the shipping process easier than ever before.
“We’ve achieved a lot over the past 75 years. I’m proud to be part of an organization that embraces innovation and I’m excited to see what we do next,” Elieson said.
About American Airlines Cargo
American Airlines Cargo provides one of the largest cargo networks in the world with cargo terminals and interline connections across the globe. Every day, American transports cargo between major cities in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. American Airlines Group is the holding company for American Airlines.
About American Airlines Group
American Airlines offers customers 6,800 daily flights to more than 365 destinations in 61 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. With a shared purpose of caring for people on life’s journey, American’s 130,000 global team members serve more than 200 million customers annually. Since 2013, American has invested more than $28 billion in its product and people and now flies the youngest fleet among U.S. network carriers, equipped with industry-leading high-speed Wi-Fi, lie-flat seats, and more inflight entertainment and access to power. American also has enhanced food and beverage options in the air and on the ground in its world-class Admirals Club and Flagship lounges. American was recently named a Five Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association and Airline of the Year by Air Transport World. American is a founding member of oneworld®, whose members serve 1,100 destinations in 180 countries and territories. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.