American Airlines sustainability score: 22/100

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.