In a historic Thanksgiving operation, American Airlines has set a new record for connecting millions of customers with their loved ones while experiencing the lowest number of flight cancellations in its Thanksgiving history.
David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer of American Airlines, expressed pride in the airline's performance, stating, "Millions of customers were counting on us to connect them with their families, friends, and loved ones this Thanksgiving — and we delivered."
Key highlights of American Airlines' Thanksgiving operation include:
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Unprecedented Customer Traffic: American Airlines welcomed nearly 6.5 million customers on over 59,000 flights during the Thanksgiving holiday, achieving its highest-ever load factor for these dates. The travel period is set to conclude at the end of the day tomorrow.
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Record-Low Flight Cancellations: American Airlines has canceled fewer flights during this Thanksgiving period than in any previous year. From November 16 to 26, the airline canceled only 55 out of more than 59,400 scheduled flights, accounting for just 0.09% of the schedule. Almost all cancellations were attributed to weather-related issues.
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Exceptional Operational Streak: The airline went an impressive nine days (November 16–24) without canceling a single mainline flight, demonstrating the resilience and efficiency of its operational capabilities.
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Smooth Operation Amidst Adverse Weather: Despite a snowstorm, the Chicago O'Hare (ORD) operation ran smoothly, with no cancellations associated with the hub. This underscores the airline's ability to navigate challenging weather conditions and maintain operational integrity.
The remarkable results were made possible by the dedication and hard work of American Airlines' 130,000 team members, who worked tirelessly over the holiday period. The airline also acknowledged the invaluable support received from its partners at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
David Seymour expressed optimism, stating, "We look forward to carrying this momentum into the December holidays," as American Airlines continues to prioritize safe, reliable, and successful operations for its customers.
