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. We have also set a SBTi-validated target to reduce our Scope 2 emissions by 40% by 2035, and we maintained our performance against that goal in 2024.

Our climate strategy

While American’s goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 remains unchanged, we recognize that there is uncertainty around our ability to drive progress across the key levers that will enable us to decarbonize. The accompanying infographic illustrates our estimate of each lever’s potential decarbonization impact and the degree of certainty regarding its ability to reduce emissions over the next 25 years.

Levers to Net Zero

Graph showing various levers and their impact on meeting environmental goals
Lever Level of certainty regarding the lever's ability to scale sufficiently to help meet our climate goals Lever's impact on reducing emissions from 2025-2050
Operational Fuel Savings High Low
Fleet Renewal Medium Medium
Air Traffic Control Modernization Medium Low-Medium
Next Generation Aircraft Low Medium-high
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Low High
Carbon Markets* High N/A

* Our strategy focuses on in-sector reduction levers, but we recognize the role of market-based mechanisms to address our residual emissions. While the market for these mechanisms continues to evolve, we currently expect to be able to source high-quality offsets for our 2050 net zero goal.

~55% of our total capital expenditures in 2024 were allocated to efforts that also provided decarbonization benefits

Aligning capital spending with our net zero pathway

More than half of American’s capital spending — from the billions of dollars we have invested in our fleet to our ongoing fuel-saving initiatives — enhances our profitability, reliability and accountability, with the added benefit of supporting our GHG reduction targets.

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

Fleet renewal

Over the last decade, we have undertaken one of the most extensive fleet renewal efforts in the history of our industry. In addition to improving the flight experience for our customers, these new aircraft replace older, less fuel-efficient aircraft with newer, more fuel-efficient and quieter ones. Our fleet renewal efforts have contributed significantly to improving fuel efficiency, which is now 13.9 gallons per 1,000 available seat miles (ASMs) for our mainline fleet, down from 15.4 gallons per 1,000 ASMs in 2014.

Mainline fleet average age of 13.8 years old — a year less than the industry average age New aircraft flew 26.3% of American's ASMs in 2024

Fuel efficiency

One of our largest expenses each year is fuel, which means that making our operations more fuel efficient not only reduces emissions, but also helps us reduce our cost. With much of our fleet renewed, we are focused on improving the fuel efficiency of our flight and ground operations. In 2024, we saved over 11 million gallons of fuel through these initiatives, including single-engine taxiing, increased use of flight optimization systems and electrification of ground support equipment.

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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