American Airlines Named 2023 Eco-Airline of the Year by Air Transport World
American Airlines has been named the Eco-Airline of the Year for 2023 by Air Transport World (ATW), a leading media brand in the aviation industry. This prestigious award recognizes American’s commitment to reducing emissions throughout its operations and acknowledges the progress the airline has made toward its sustainability goals.
American Airlines’ CEO, Robert Isom, highlighted the airline’s dedication to sustainability and its intention to lead the industry as an innovator in this area. The company has incorporated sustainability practices at every level of its business, from fuel procurement to onboard services, and is continuously seeking ways to further improve its environmental impact.
One of the key factors contributing to American’s recognition as the Eco-Airline of the Year is its extensive fleet renewal effort, the largest in industry history. The airline has invested significantly in fuel-efficient aircraft and low-carbon fuels, positioning itself as a leader in adopting new technologies and practices that reduce its carbon footprint.
Smart gating, an application that optimizes gate assignments at congested airports, has helped maximize fuel efficiency. This system, currently in use at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Miami International Airport, is estimated to save 1.4 million gallons of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 13,500 metric tons annually.
American Airlines’ ongoing fleet renewal efforts have resulted in a fuel efficiency improvement of over 10% since 2013, saving 1.9 billion gallons of fuel and preventing the emission of 19 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Half of American’s U.S. mainline fleet is now less than 10 years old, further contributing to their sustainability goals.
The airline has also made significant strides in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) consumption, becoming a leader in the industry. In 2022, American used 2 million gallons of SAF, doubling its usage from the previous year. The airline has secured agreements with companies like Gevo, Inc., Neste, and Aemetis, ensuring a commitment of over 620 million gallons of low-carbon fuel. Additionally, American is the first U.S. airline to make direct investments in hydrogen-electric propulsion technology and hydrogen distribution logistics.
American Airlines’ sustainability efforts have received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), becoming the first airline in the world to achieve this recognition for its intermediate carbon emissions reduction goal. The company aims to reduce its carbon intensity by 45% by 2035, compared to a 2019 baseline.
Furthermore, American Airlines appeared on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index in 2022 for the second consecutive year, improving its score by over 20% compared to the previous year. This recognition demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to integrate sustainable practices into its overall business strategy.
The Eco-Airline of the Year award is selected by a panel of editors and analysts from prominent aviation industry publications. It is a highly coveted accomplishment and showcases American Airlines’ excellence across various aspects of airline operations.
Karen Walker, the Editor-in-Chief of ATW, emphasized American’s clear vision for the future of sustainable aviation and applauded the airline for its comprehensive carbon emissions reduction strategy. She stated that the award was well-deserved in a highly competitive field, highlighting American Airlines’ commitment to environmental sustainability in an industry where sustainability is increasingly important.
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