American Airlines had a record year — but don’t expect fares to drop anytime soon
American Airlines reported record revenue of $54.2 billion in 2024, the company announced Thursday.
The Fort Worth-based carrier attributed the increase in annual revenue to “continued demand strength” and its efforts to adjust capacity. Over 226 million passengers boarded American flights last year, up 7.5% from 2023. The company also expanded flights last year, with 8.1% more departures in 2024 than 2023.
Despite earnings exceeding expectations, American’s stock dropped sharply after the announcement, which projected losses in the first quarter of 2025. Increased fuel costs and new labor contracts the company signed last year appear poised to weigh down its balance sheet in 2025.
“As you look into the first quarter, you’re going to continue to see outperformance from American, and that’s going to be shown” said the company’s CEO Robert Isom in a Thursday appearance on CNBC. Isom said American is projecting revenue to rise in 2025.
American isn’t done growing its footprint. New routes planned to begin later this year include more flights to Europe and Asia, as well as the only nonstop flight between San Antonio and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Additions to American’s largest hub, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, include daily direct flights to Barcelona set to begin this summer, and more premium seats on direct flights to Shanghai and Tokyo.
American is one of the top five commercial and individual taxpayers in Tarrant County. Founded in 1926, the company has 133,300 employees across the globe.
