American Airlines

American Airlines began in 1929 under Aviation Corporation, a holding company.In 1930, the name evolved into American Airways and became the now named American Airlines in 1934. By the late 1930's the airline had become the United States largest air carrier.

The company owed a great deal of it's success to the Douglas Aircraft Company (later known as McDonnell Douglas). American Airlines employed Douglas DC-3's, an aircraft that was the first commercial airplane to become profitable strictly as a passanger craft. The now defunct Trans World Airways (TWA) was an offshoot of American Airlines.

In 1964, American Airlines introduced SABRE, the world's first automated reservation system. It also was the first airline to create a frequent flyer program. This program gives regular, repeat customers free airline tickets and other awards. American Airlines holding company changed to the name AMR Corporation in 1982, with hub and headquarters in Dallas, Texas, USA.