History of American Airlines Group in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 18, 2026

American Airlines Group Inc. is a publicly traded airline holding company based in Fort Worth, Texas. It was created in December 2013 through the merger of AMR Corporation (American Airlines' parent) and US Airways Group (US Airways' parent). The integration was finalized on April 8, 2015, when the FAA granted a single operating certificate, and all flights now operate under the American Airlines brand.

January 2012: US Airways Expresses Interest in Taking Over AMR Corporation

In January 2012, US Airways Group, the parent company of US Airways, expressed interest in taking over AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines.

February 2013: American Airlines and US Airways Announce Merger Plans

In February 2013, American Airlines and US Airways announced their plans to merge, which would create the world's largest airline by some measures. AMR stakeholders were set to own 72% and US Airways shareholders 28% of the new company.

March 27, 2013: Merger Approved by Judge

On March 27, 2013, a judge approved the merger between American Airlines and US Airways, but denied a proposed $20 million severance package for AMR chief Thomas W. Horton.

August 13, 2013: Department of Justice Files Lawsuit to Block Merger

On August 13, 2013, the United States Department of Justice, along with attorneys general from several states, filed a lawsuit to block the merger of American Airlines and US Airways, citing concerns about reduced competition and higher prices.

October 2013: Texas Rescinds Anti-Trust Lawsuit

In early October 2013, the Attorney General of Texas rescinded the anti-trust lawsuit against the American Airlines and US Airways merger.

November 12, 2013: Department of Justice Reached a Settlement

On November 12, 2013, the Department of Justice reached a settlement requiring the merged airline to relinquish landing slots or gates in 7 major airports.

December 9, 2013: Formation of American Airlines Group Inc.

On December 9, 2013, American Airlines Group Inc. was formed through the merger of AMR Corporation, parent company of American Airlines, and US Airways Group, the parent company of US Airways.

December 2013: Tom Horton's Severance Package Agreed

In December 2013, a severance package valued at about $17 million was agreed for Tom Horton, the outgoing AMR CEO, who had led American Airlines through bankruptcy and the major merger.

April 8, 2015: Single Operating Certificate Granted

On April 8, 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration granted a single operating certificate for both American Airlines and US Airways, completing their integration. All flights then operated under the American Airlines brand.

July 13, 2015: American to Discontinue US Airways Brand Name

On July 13, 2015, American Airlines announced it planned to discontinue the US Airways brand name by October 17, 2015.

October 16, 2015: US Airways Final Flight

On October 16, 2015, US Airways flew its final flight, US Airways Flight 1939, from Philadelphia to Charlotte to Phoenix to San Francisco to Philadelphia.

October 17, 2015: Planned Discontinuation of the US Airways Brand

On October 17, 2015, American Airlines planned to discontinue the US Airways brand name.

2019: Fortune 500 Rank

In 2019, American Airlines Group ranked No. 70 in the Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations based on its revenue.

January 2021: American and JetBlue Launch Northeast Alliance

In January 2021, American Airlines and JetBlue launched the Northeast Alliance, a partnership to coordinate schedules, share revenue, and expand service at New York–JFK and Boston–Logan.

March 2021: American Airlines to Repay US Government Debt

In March 2021, American Airlines Group announced its plan to repay its debt to the US government by issuing a private offering of notes and a term loan credit facility.

2021: Peak Mid-2021 Levels

American reported in January 2025 that it had reduced total debt by $15 billion from peak mid-2021 levels.

September 2023: Federal Judge Rules Northeast Alliance Violates Antitrust Law

In September 2023, a federal judge ruled that the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue violated antitrust law and ordered it dissolved.

August 2024: Market Capitalization

As of August 2024, American Airlines Group, Inc. had a market capitalization of about $6.4 billion.

September 23, 2024: Removed from S&P 500 Index

American Airlines Group was a member of the S&P 500 index until September 23, 2024.

November 8, 2024: Court of Appeals Affirms Ruling Against Northeast Alliance

On November 8, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the ruling that the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue violated antitrust law, and the U.S. Supreme Court subsequently declined to hear the case.

January 2025: Debt Reduction Announcement

In January 2025, American Airlines reported that it had reduced total debt by $15 billion from peak mid-2021 levels, achieving its deleveraging target a year ahead of schedule.