American Airlines Begins 100th Anniversary Celebrations

American Airlines has begun celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century since its origins in 1926 with a mail-carrying flight from Chicago to St. Louis. The airline says customers will start seeing centennial-themed initiatives across their travel journey beginning this month, ahead of a full year of celebrations in 2026.

 

The milestone places American among a small group of airlines worldwide to reach 100 years of continuous flight operations. According to the airline, the anniversary reflects a legacy built on innovation, expansion, and global connectivity that has shaped modern commercial aviation.

A key feature of the celebrations will be a special centennial livery applied to a Boeing 737, scheduled to enter service later this month. The aircraft design blends historic references with a forward-looking aesthetic, featuring silver infinity rings near the rear fuselage to symbolize continuity and future possibilities. The Boeing 737 remains a core aircraft type in American’s domestic and short-haul international network.

Passengers will also encounter the airline’s centennial logo throughout 2026, appearing across digital booking platforms, airport environments and onboard experiences. The logo combines American’s brand identity with an infinity symbol, representing the airline’s long-term connection with customers. A commemorative decal will be added to more than 1,500 aircraft across the fleet, ensuring the centennial is visible on every flight.

Throughout the anniversary year, American plans to introduce limited-time onboard offerings, including special amenity kits, pajamas and curated inflight dining items. Additional customer and employee-focused activities are expected to be rolled out progressively during 2026.

To accompany the celebrations, American has launched a dedicated centennial website featuring stories from employees, highlights from the airline’s history and commemorative merchandise. The platform traces the airline’s evolution from its early air mail operations to major industry milestones, including the launch of the AAdvantage loyalty programme, the introduction of airport lounges and the development of premium cabin products.

As part of the centennial, new and reissued Citi / AAdvantage Mastercard credit cards will also feature a limited-edition design displaying the centennial logo, available for a restricted period.

Today, American operates more than 6,000 daily flights to over 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million passengers each year. A founding member of the oneworld alliance, the airline says its centennial year marks both a celebration of its past and a commitment to shaping the future of air travel.