American Airlines

American Airlines maintains that safety is paramount and foundational to all its operations, a commitment reflected in its daily flights and various roles within the company.

• Recent safety record and any notable incidents: While American Airlines has a long operational history, it has also been associated with several notable historical incidents. These include the crash of Flight 191 in 1979, which was the deadliest single-aircraft accident in U.S. history, and Flight 587 in 2001. Two American Airlines flights, Flight 11 and Flight 77, were tragically hijacked and destroyed in the September 11, 2001, attacks, resulting in significant fatalities. In a more recent incident, a ground worker was fatally injured by the engine of an Envoy Air Embraer 175, operating an American Airlines flight, at Montgomery Regional Airport on December 31, 2022. Post-2001 regulatory enhancements have contributed to fewer hull-loss incidents in recent decades.
• Regulatory certifications: As a major U.S. airline, American Airlines operates under the stringent regulatory oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While specific details on IOSA or EU safety list status were not explicitly provided in the search results, the airline continuously invests in state-of-the-art technology and training programs for its staff, and its safety efforts have earned praise in external safety audits.
• Fleet age and maintenance reputation: As of June 2025, the average age of the American Airlines mainline fleet is 14.1 years. The airline operates four maintenance bases located at Tulsa International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, indicating a dedicated infrastructure for fleet upkeep. Maintenance experts are pivotal in ensuring aircraft are in top condition before every flight.
• Overall safety assessment: Based on available data, American Airlines demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, emphasizing it as a core value within its operations. Despite historical incidents, the airline focuses on proactive safety measures, continuous improvement, and robust maintenance practices.
• Any safety awards or recognitions: American Airlines annually recognizes team members who go above and beyond in safety through its "Safety Champion Award". In 2024 and 2025, numerous individuals were honored for their leadership, ideas, and proactive efforts to strengthen the airline's safety culture. The airline also recognizes team members for their career achievements through the Circle of Excellence Awards, which can include contributions to maintaining safe operations.