Fort Worth-based American Airlines has been named Airline of the Year for 2017 by Air Transport World, taking the top honor in the publication’s 43nd annual Airline Industry Achievement Awards.
American was recognized by ATW’s editorial board because of its leadership and employees’ achievements over the past year in integrating American and US Airways. ATW called the integration “practically flawless despite it being the largest, most complex airline merger in history.”


“The creation of the ‘New American’ has been a remarkable journey for employees, customers and investors,” ATW editor-in-chief Karen Walker said in a news release. “American Airlines has never been in better shape to deliver more to all of its stakeholders.”
The airline closely watched profitability and shareholder return while investing more than $3 billion in new customer products and services, including greater onboard connectivity, new entertainment and dining choices, upgraded lounges and new city pair services. American is also spending billions more to upgrade its fleet with hundreds of new aircraft.
“It was another phenomenal year for American Airlines, and all the credit goes to our team,” American chairman and CEO Doug Parker said. “Our 120,000 team members completed several crucial integration milestones, launched 67 new routes, took delivery of 115 new aircraft, and much more – all while running a solid operation and taking great care of our customers.”
In a letter to employees, Parker said American is setting a new standard for service.
"That's thanks to the work all of you do," Parker wrote in the letter. "It is a noble calling to play a role in transporting the people who entrust their travel needs to us, and it is gratifying to be recognized when we do that well."
In recognition of the achievement, the airline is giving its employees two round-trip tickets to anywhere American flies, Parker's letter says.

https://www.aa.com/homePage.do