American Airlines Hosts Veterans Day Tribute, Unveils Two Yellow-Ribbon Aircraft

American Airlines and American Eagle Dedicate Planes with Yellow-Ribbon Decals to Honor Veterans and Active Service Members

In a visual expression of their long-standing support for those who serve in the nation’s armed forces, employees of American Airlines and American Eagle dedicated two special yellow-ribbon aircraft at a Veterans Day observance today at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

An American Airlines Boeing 757 and an American Eagle ATR aircraft were unveiled with the tails of the two aircraft proudly sporting iconic yellow-ribbon decals and the slogan, “In support of all who serve,” on their fuselages.

As the two yellow-ribbon planes made their inaugural flights, American Airlines and American Eagle honored all of the veterans and troops currently serving our country, as well as the thousands of American Airlines and American Eagle employees who are veterans or active service members.

“American Airlines is proud to continue our long-time support of veterans and active military and the sacrifices they make for our country,” said Roger Frizzell, American’s Vice President - Corporate Communications and Advertising. “And, while we remain involved with members of the military and their families on a daily basis in numerous ways, these yellow-ribbon aircraft are a unique salute from American Airlines to the commitment and heroism of these brave men and women.”

“It is with a sense of deep honor, respect, and responsibility that we extend the heart and soul of our airline to these heroes, and it is a privilege to dedicate the two yellow-ribbon aircraft to all those who have and will serve our country,” said Captain Mark Hettermann, Vice President - Flight for American Airlines.

American Airlines supports veterans and members of the military through a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including America’s Huey 091 Foundation, Sky Ball, Disabled Veterans Adventure Ski Week, Seats for Soldiers, Snowball Express, and others.

More than 600 American Airlines employees volunteered at the sixth annual Sky Ball in October to benefit the families of North Texas service men and women. More than $500,000 was raised at that event for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and National Guard Relief Fund and to assist in-need families at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth.

As the official airline of Snowball Express – a non-profit organization established to provide fun and memorable experiences for the children and spouses of fallen military heroes – American Airlines will fly nearly 1,600 children and spouses from throughout the United States to Orange County, Calif., on Dec. 16, for the third annual event.

Additionally, American Airlines extends special travel benefits to veterans, including waived baggage fees, discounts on leisure travel, early boarding, preferred seating upgrades when available, Admirals Club admission for soldiers traveling in uniform, and travel sponsorship for Medal of Honor Recipients to their annual awards program.