by Michael Collins
Managing Director, Diversity Strategies
American Airlines
American Airlines constantly competes to earn the business and loyalty of its passengers and clients. In order to succeed in today’s marketplace, it is imperative that we at American Airlines not only embrace the diversity of our customers and clients, but of our own team and the world around us.
As a company that bears the name “American,” much is expected of us, and we hold ourselves to an extremely high standard. Being a part of American Airlines means understanding that we help bridge the world together—and by doing so, we connect different cultures, environments and people.
Our commitment to promoting diversity and equality is highlighted in being the first major airline to endorse the employment Non-Discrimination Act (2008). We are also proud of our 16 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which reflect a wide range of communities within American’s employee populations. These ERGs promote a positive, productive work environment while creating avenues for employees to contribute their ideas to the business, and help American develop products and services for its global customer base.
“American Airlines recognizes that being a global airline means we are in the business of connecting people and cultures from around the world. We are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and proud to “Welcome Aboard” the wonderful array of people our world reflects.”
The increasing globalization in our world requires more interaction between diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. Each customer, client, and employee brings a unique perspective that allows us to solve problems, overcome challenges and implement new ideas. At American Airlines, we promote inclusion for all and strive to create an environment where all differences are valued. American uses a combination of third-party partners, newly-formed external advisory councils, our employees, and relationships with key advocacy organizations to gain greater insights into how to deliver the best travel experience possible.
In January 2008, American developed a robust diversity and inclusion page on www.AA.com, the first of its kind in the airline industry. The link promotes American’s efforts in supplier diversity, employees, diversity leadership, awards and recognition, corporate citizenship, and ongoing marketing initiatives. American also has products tailored for small businesses, and AA.com Web pages specifically tailored for women (aa.com/women) as well as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender (LGBt) community (aa.com/rainbow).
We have dedicated sales teams that focus solely on diverse customer groups, such as the African-American, hispanic, LGBT and women communities. These sales teams support and partner with many community organizations such as the NAACP, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Human Rights Campaign and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
As a global carrier, we feel a responsibility to provide opportunities for women- and minority-owned and small businesses to grow and prosper as part of our supply chain. As a result, since the inception of our Supplier Diversity Program in 1989, American has spent more than $3.6 billion with certified women and minority-owned businesses.
American Airlines recognizes that being a global airline means we are in the business of connecting people and cultures from around the world. We are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and proud to “Welcome Aboard” the wonderful array of people our world reflects.
