The famous aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh is said to have flown the first flights for „American Airlines“ as chief pilot of the Robertson Aircraft Corporation in 1926. Aircraft Corporation (AVCO) acquired several stakes in airlines at the end of the 1920s, including Universal Air Lines System. On January 25, 1930, Avco merged all acquired airlines with Universal Air Lines System, whereupon it was renamed American Airways.

On December 9, 2013 American Airlines merged with US Airways. American Eagle operates on behalf of American Airline nationwide.