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Historic partnership, with American Airlines as Title Sponsor of OBAP’s 50th
Annual Conference, honors legacy and builds a runway for an inclusive future
in aviation
CHICAGO and FORT WORTH, Texas — The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
(OBAP) and American Airlines proudly announce their partnership for OBAP’s
50th anniversary celebration. As the event’s official Title Sponsor, American
Airlines joins OBAP in honoring five decades of advancing awareness, access
and opportunities for careers in aviation for those who otherwise may not have
known it was possible. This partnership is especially significant as American
Airlines celebrates its centennial year in 2026, marking 100 years of
connecting people and places around the world.
“American Airlines is proud to sponsor OBAP’s 50th anniversary celebration —
and to partner every day — as we have a shared mission of creating pathways
for future generations to thrive in aviation,” said David Seymour,
American’s Chief Operating Officer. “As we celebrate our centennial year and
look Forever ForwardSM, we recognize that progress happens when
we invest in people and partnerships that strengthen our industry. This
milestone is not just about honoring history — it’s about building a future
where talent and opportunity soar together.”
The collaboration reflects a shared history rooted in breaking barriers. In
1964, American Airlines made history when it hired Captain David E. Harris,
the first Black commercial airline pilot. Ten years later, Harris joined
fellow pioneers to establish OBAP, then known as the Organization of Black
Airline Pilots, creating a network dedicated to opening doors for
underrepresented communities in aerospace. That vision continues to inspire
progress across the industry today.
“Captain David Harris’ groundbreaking achievement in 1964 forever changed
the face of aviation and ignited a legacy of progress that still shapes our
industry today,” said OBAP Board Chair Tennessee Garvey. “This partnership
with American Airlines is more than a celebration of where we’ve been — it
is a promise to accelerate where we are going. Together, we are working to
ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of aerospace, and that the next
50 years are defined by access, equity and boundless possibility.”
The partnership officially kicks off Jan. 13 at the Hilton Chicago O’Hare
Airport, the site of OBAP’s first meeting, with an intimate gathering of
founders, industry leaders and special guests. The celebration will culminate
at OBAP’s 50th anniversary conference to be held Aug. 12-14 in Chicago,
featuring a documentary premiere, Hall of Fame induction, awards gala, youth
engagement programs, career development workshops and networking events for
pilots, engineers, technicians and industry partners.
As American Airlines celebrates 100 years of flight and OBAP marks 50 years of
impact, this partnership stands as a powerful testament to progress and a
promise to keep pushing forward.
About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to
the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern
United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to
more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200
million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000
aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of
caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026,
reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever
ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American
introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and
the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer
experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the
oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900
destinations around the globe.
Get the latest about American at
news.aa.com and
@AmericanAir.
About the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)
Founded in 1976, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is a
nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring excellence and providing
opportunities in aerospace through exposure, education, and mentorship. OBAP
reaches more than 20,000 students annually through its youth programs and
provides career development, training, and advocacy for aerospace
professionals worldwide.