American Airlines commemorates 50 years since the touchdown of its first commercial flight at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Over the decades, American's continuous investment has transformed DFW into the largest hub in the airline's global network, propelling the airport to become the second busiest in the world.
Jim Moses, American's Senior Vice President of DFW Hub Operations, expressed pride in DFW as the cornerstone of American's global operation. He acknowledged the strong ties with partners, the community, and visionary leaders in Dallas and Fort Worth who united to create a world-class airport five decades ago.
Five years after the airport's opening in 1974, American relocated its headquarters from New York to Fort Worth, Texas. Today, the airline serves as a vital economic engine for Texas, contributing nearly $43 billion annually to the state's economy and employing 35,000 team members in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
DFW serves as a gateway to 240 worldwide destinations for American, and the airline is set to launch a record-setting summer schedule in 2024. This includes more than 10,000 one-stop connections globally, with new services to Barcelona, Spain; Tulum, Mexico; and Redmond, Oregon.
In May 2023, American reaffirmed its commitment to DFW with a new 10-year Use and Lease Agreement, featuring a pre-approved capital plan of nearly $5 billion. These investments will facilitate terminal expansions, providing 24 additional gates to accommodate long-term growth. Updates to existing facilities aim to enhance the customer experience, ensuring DFW remains a world-class airport well into the future.
To mark the 50th anniversary, American team members gathered at the arrival of American Airlines flight 3589 from Little Rock, Arkansas, on Jan. 13, 2024. The celebration included reflections from George Zee, an American Airlines Customer Service Agent with a 50-year career, who expressed pride in witnessing the airline's growth at DFW and emphasized the importance of the people—customers and coworkers alike.
As American Airlines looks back on five decades at DFW, the airline remains focused on a bright future, with plans for continued growth, innovation, and a commitment to providing excellent service to its customers.
