- American Airlines was developed from a conglomeration of 82 small airlines in 1930
- By 1933 American Airways had scheduled service to 72 cities
- In 1936, American was the first airline to fly a DC-3 which made it the first airline to be able to operate a route that could earn a profit solely by transporting passengers; other carriers could not earn a profit without U.S. Mail
- American Airlines was the first to cooperate with Fiorello LaGuardia to build an airport in New York City, and opened the first airline lounge there
- In 1973, American became the first major airline to employ a female pilot
