Carbon Footprint — Operations: How does American Airlines score?

American discloses Scope 1 and 2 emissions annually aligned with GHG Protocol and TCFD. Scope 1 emissions were 37.2 Mt CO2e in 2023, rising 8% year-on-year. Limited assurance verified. Multi-year data publicly available in sustainability reports.

Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain: How does American Airlines score?

American reports Scope 3 covering jet fuel production and regional carrier fuel, totaling 14.7 Mt CO2e in 2023. Partnerships with SAF producers Gevo and Infinium exist. However, reporting omits employee commuting and other categories; Scope 3 coverage remains incomplete relative to full GHG Protocol framework.

Emissions Trajectory: How does American Airlines score?

Absolute emissions rose 6% in 2023 versus 2022; Scope 1 up 8%. CEO acknowledged 2030, 2035, and 2050 targets are in jeopardy. SBTi target is intensity-based (45% per RTM by 2035), not absolute. Capacity grew 5.5% in 2024. Total emissions continue rising despite intensity improvements.

Energy Source: How does American Airlines score?

American achieved 100% renewable electricity at DFW headquarters and cargo operations, purchasing 679,000 GJ renewable electricity in 2024. Jet fuel accounts for over 90% of emissions; SAF usage was 2.7 million gallons in 2023, less than 1% of total fuel. Not an RE100 member.

Nature & Biodiversity Impact: How does American Airlines score?

Environmental Policy mentions biodiversity and deforestation risks. Joined United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce (2022); partnered with National Park Foundation. No TNFD alignment, quantified nature footprint, or formal assessment. Crop-based SAF carries deforestation risk flagged by InfluenceMap.

Resource Use & Waste: How does American Airlines score?

American switched to compostable flatware in lounges, implemented BioNatur Plastics in cargo (equivalent to 6.4 million water bottles saved), discontinued plastic cards, and digitised eAWB. No quantified circular economy targets or comprehensive waste metrics disclosed. Material throughput of airline operations receives limited systematic treatment.

Water Impact: How does American Airlines score?

Environmental Policy mentions water as a consideration but provides no quantified footprint or reduction targets. 2026 Airline Water Study rated American lowest among major carriers (1.75/5.0, Grade D) for onboard drinking water safety, despite company stating full EPA compliance. Water management receives minimal attention.

Targets & Commitments: How does American Airlines score?

First airline globally to receive SBTi validation (April 2022) for 2035 targets: 45% intensity reduction per RTM and 40% absolute Scope 2 reduction. Net-zero by 2050 stated. Intensity-based primary target allows absolute emissions to rise with growth. CEO publicly stated targets may be unachievable. SAF below 1% of fuel.

Transparency & Accountability: How does American Airlines score?

American publishes annual sustainability reports aligned with TCFD and SASB. Chief Sustainability Officer Jill Blickstein leads Climate Change Steering Committee. Board oversight via Corporate Governance Committee. Included in DJSI World Index two consecutive years; CDP A- score (2022). Executive compensation not linked to sustainability targets.

Controversies & Red Flags: How does American Airlines score?

ClientEarth warned American over greenwashing (2024). InfluenceMap rates C- citing SAF criteria weakening advocacy and negative trade association engagement (A4A, IATA, US Chamber of Commerce). Opposed UK Air Passenger Duty and frequent flyer levy. Federal court upheld ERISA breach finding in Spence v. American Airlines regarding ESG pension fiduciary duty.

American Airlines Sustainability Score: 24/100

Recently scored: Next plc, Target Corporation, Rapanui Clothing, SHEIN

515 companies scored·27 score updates this week

American Airlines·Aerospace·Fort Worth, United States·Founded 2013·Last verified 31 May 2026

out of 100

Significant gapsPending Review

American Airlines reports comprehensive emissions data and holds SBTi validation, but absolute emissions rose 6% in 2023 while the CEO acknowledged climate targets are in jeopardy. The airline relies on intensity-based targets that mask rising total impact, SAF adoption below 1%, and faces greenwashing warnings from ClientEarth and C-rated lobbying influence from InfluenceMap.

No challenges currently filed

The calculation

Every score shows its working.

Same formula for every company. No curve. No private weighting.

SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × Scale

Industry base impact

Aerospace sector ceiling.

38 / 100

Performance score

Sum of the 10 rubric questions, scored 0–10 each.

40 / 100

Raw score

Weighted average before scale penalty.

(0.3 × 38) + (0.7 × 40) = 39.4

Scale penalty

Multiplier based on absolute emissions volume — physics-first.

× 0.6

Final score

Rounded. Significant gaps.

24 / 100

The ten questions

Where American Airlines is strong, and where it isn't.

Strongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain (7/10, 6/10). Weakest on Water Impact and Emissions Trajectory (2/10, 2/10).

Where the evidence comes from

Every document used, listed.

17 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.

9 of 17 sources are third-party verified or public record.

[1]Self-reported

American Airlines 2024 Sustainability Report

2024

Q1Q2

Every score shows its working.

Where American Airlines is strong, and where it isn't.

Every document used, listed.

Where American Airlines sits among aerospace peers.

American Airlines's score over time.

This score is not currently being contested.

Related companies worth a look.

We'll let you know when the score moves.

Which companies moved this week, and why.