American Airlines is owned by its parent holding company, American Airlines Group Inc. It is not owned by another airline in the traditional sense, but rather by a corporate entity that holds the stock of the airline.
Understanding American Airlines' Ownership Structure
American Airlines Group Inc. serves as the holding company for American Airlines. A holding company is a parent corporation that owns enough voting stock in another company to control its policies and management, but does not produce goods or services itself. In this structure, American Airlines operates as a subsidiary under the umbrella of American Airlines Group Inc.
The Formation of American Airlines Group Inc.
American Airlines Group Inc. was established in December 2013. This formation was a direct result of the merger between two significant aviation entities:
- AMR Corporation: The former parent company of American Airlines.
- US Airways Group Inc.: The former parent company of US Airways.
This strategic merger brought together two major U.S. airlines under a new, unified corporate structure, creating one of the world's largest airline groups. The merger aimed to leverage the strengths of both carriers, expand route networks, and enhance operational efficiencies.
Key Entities in American Airlines' Corporate Structure
To clarify the relationships within the American Airlines corporate family, consider the following key entities:
| Entity | Role |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | The operational airline providing flight services. |
| American Airlines Group Inc. | The holding company that owns and oversees American Airlines. |
| AMR Corporation | The former parent company of American Airlines, pre-merger. |
| US Airways Group Inc. | The former parent company of US Airways, which merged to form the new group. |
This structure ensures that American Airlines operates as a distinct brand and service provider, while its strategic direction and financial oversight are managed by its parent holding company, American Airlines Group Inc.
