American sets new revenue records amid historic fuel cost pressure

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) today reported its third-quarter 2026 financial results, reflecting execution of its commercial strategy and the benefits of long-term investments in its customers, team members, network, fleet and technology.

Third-quarter financial highlights:

  • Total revenue of $16.3 billion, up 19.3% year over year, above the high end of the previously announced guidance range.
  • Delivered the best unit cost performance among the network carriers, with CASM-ex1 up 3.0%.
  • Fuel expense for the quarter increased $1.9 billion, or 67.5%, year over year.
  • GAAP net loss of $269 million, or ($0.41) per diluted share.
  • Adjusted net loss of $182 million2, or ($0.28) per diluted share. Adjusted net loss was only $71 million below third quarter 2025 despite the $1.9 billion increase in fuel expense.

“American delivered record third-quarter revenue and the strongest year-over-year revenue growth in my career, with premium performance leading the way,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “The investments we are making across the four pillars of our commercial strategy are working, and we expect another quarter of record revenue growth to close out the year. While historically high fuel prices significantly impacted our financial results, our focus remains on restoring profitability and building a stronger American for the long term. I’m grateful to the American Airlines team for making this progress possible.”

The company’s third-quarter results were driven by strong revenue performance across all geographies and cabins:

  • Premium revenue increased 22.9%, and Main Cabin revenue increased 19.5% year over year.
  • Total unit revenue increased 14.5% year over year, reflecting continued strength in demand for travel.
  • Domestic passenger unit revenue increased 13.6% year over year in the third quarter.
  • International passenger unit revenue increased 16.4%, with the Latin America entity up 21.1%, the Atlantic entity up 14.5% and the Pacific entity up 11.3% compared to the third quarter of 2025.
  • AAdvantage® enrollments increased 27.4% year over year.
  • Demand for business travel remained strong, with managed corporate revenue increasing 27.6% year over year, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.

This revenue performance was a result of the company’s continued focus on its four commercial pillars: elevate the customer experience, grow the global network, drive premium revenue and lead in loyalty.

1) Elevate the customer experience

American’s investments in high-speed connectivity, lounges, seatback entertainment, airport facilities and fleet modernization are creating the foundation for a best-in-class customer experience.

In May, American announced plans to equip more than 500 aircraft with high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, representing the largest in-flight connectivity upgrade in the airline’s history. Building on that commitment, the company announced on Oct. 8 that it plans to expand Starlink installation across its entire mainline fleet, bringing the technology to more than 1,000 aircraft. Once installation is complete, American will offer one of the largest fleets of Starlink-connected aircraft in the world.

The company also continues to grow its Admirals Club® and premium lounge network with more lounges opening or being renovated than at any point in company history. Additionally, American announced the expansion of seatback entertainment to the narrowbody fleet, including screens on new deliveries beginning in 2028. With these foundational investments underway, American remains focused on further improving customer satisfaction through enhanced operational reliability, better disruption management and a more consistent travel experience.

2) Grow the global network

American continues to strengthen its global network, offering customers more destinations, better connectivity and greater schedule utility. At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), this year’s rebank produced record passenger volumes, fewer misconnections and mishandled bags, and unit revenue that outpaced the rest of the system. In Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia and Phoenix, American is building stronger schedules for local customers.

3) Drive premium revenue

American continues to see momentum in premium demand, demonstrating the benefits of recent investments across its premium products and customer experience. Premium passenger unit revenue increased 18.5% year over year during the third quarter, compared with an increase of 14.4% in Main Cabin.

American plans to continue expanding premium seating through the delivery of new aircraft and the retrofit of existing aircraft. Premium products generate roughly half of the company’s ticket revenue on approximately 30% of seats today. Through the recently announced narrowbody retrofit program, American expects premium seats on narrowbody aircraft to increase to 40% in the coming years.

The company also continues to take actions to improve revenue quality and provide customers with a broader range of choices. These initiatives contributed to a 6-point increase in the upsell rate from Basic Economy to Main Cabin during the quarter.

4) Lead in loyalty

The AAdvantage® program remains one of American’s strongest competitive advantages, driving customer engagement, premium demand and long-term value creation. The program continues to benefit from strong member activity, increased engagement and enhancements to American’s co-branded credit card program.

Enrollments in the AAdvantage® program increased 27.4% year over year in the third quarter. American’s co-branded credit card partnership with Citi saw year-over-year third-quarter card spend growth of nearly 10%.

Efficiency and cost performance

American continues to benefit from long-term investments in technology, procurement and other initiatives designed to build a more efficient and resilient airline. The company is reengineering how work gets done across the business, improving productivity and simplifying processes while continuing to invest in the customer and team member experience.

By the end of 2026, the company expects to have achieved nearly $1 billion in annual run rate savings and more than $900 million in working capital improvements through its multiyear reengineering efforts. American continues to identify opportunities to use technology, automation and artificial intelligence to simplify the business and equip team members with better tools to improve decision-making.

“We remain focused ​on the ​factors ​that drive the most value,” said American’s ​Chief Financial Officer Devon ​May. “Our long-term ​focus ​on ​efficiency supported ​industry-leading unit ​cost results in the quarter, with CASM-ex ​increasing 3.0% ​year over ​year. For the full year, we expect to lead the network carriers in the spread between year-over-year unit revenue and CASM-ex growth.”

Overall financial results were pressured by a significant increase in fuel costs. American paid an average of $3.85 per gallon in the third quarter, which increased fuel expense by $1.9 billion year over year.

Balance sheet and liquidity

American ended the third quarter with $11.8 billion of total available liquidity and more than $26 billion of unencumbered assets and first-lien capacity. The company remains committed to reducing debt, lowering interest expense and achieving its target of 3.0x net debt3 to EBITDAR, in line with BB credit metrics.

Outlook and financial guidance

In​ the fourth ​quarter, ​the ​company ​expects continued ​revenue ​strength, with ​year-over-year ​revenue ​growth ​between ​19.5% and 22.5%. ​Based ​on the forward fuel curve ​as ​of Oct. 19, American anticipates an ​average fuel price ​of ​approximately $4.70 ​per gallon, nearly double the price paid in ​the fourth ​quarter of ​2025. At ​that price, ​fuel ​expense is ​expected to increase approximately $2.8 billion ​versus ​the fourth ​quarter of ​2025.

Given elevated fuel prices, American expects network growth in 2027 to slow from 2026 levels.

4Q 2026E (vs. 4Q 2025)
Available seat miles +5.5% – +6.5%
Total revenue +19.5% – +22.5%
CASM excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing1 +2.5% – +3.5%
Adjusted loss per diluted share4 ($1.10) – ($0.50)
   
FY 2026E
Adjusted loss per diluted share4 ($1.60) – ($1.00)
   

Conference call and webcast

American will host a conference call at 7:30 a.m. CT today. A live webcast and replay will be available at American’s investor relations website.

Notes

See the accompanying notes in the financial tables section of this news release for further explanation, including reconciliations of certain GAAP to non-GAAP financial information.

  1. Cost per available seat mile excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing, or CASM-ex, is a non-GAAP measure. The company is unable to reconcile certain forward-looking information to GAAP because the nature or amount of net special items cannot be determined at this time.
  2. Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP financial measure and excludes $87 million of net special items after the effect of taxes that the company recognized in the third quarter.
  3. Net debt includes debt, finance and operating lease liabilities and pension obligations less unrestricted cash and short-term investments.
  4. Adjusted loss per diluted share guidance excludes the impact of net special items and represents an absolute number, not a year-over-year comparison. The company is unable to reconcile certain forward-looking information to GAAP as the nature or amount of net special items cannot be determined at this time.

    Other: Third-quarter revenue growth of 19.3% is the highest in company history excluding the years following the pandemic.

About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)

American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 140,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.

Use of websites and social media to disclose information

American routinely uses the investor relations section of its website as well as its social media pages, including on Facebook and X, and its newsroom at news.aa.com, to disclose important information about American Airlines Group Inc. and its subsidiaries and to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation Fair Disclosure. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the company’s website, social media channels or newsroom is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document, and all website addresses in this document are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements and information

Certain of the statements contained in this document should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “continue,” “seek,” “target,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “if current trends continue,” “optimistic,” “forecast” and other similar words. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the company’s plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, estimates and strategies for the future, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on the company’s current objectives, beliefs and expectations, and they are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and financial position and timing of certain events to differ materially from the information in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, downturns in economic conditions could adversely affect our business; we will need to obtain sufficient financing or other capital to operate successfully; our high level of debt and other obligations may limit our ability to fund general corporate requirements and obtain additional financing, may limit our flexibility in responding to competitive developments and may cause our business to be vulnerable to adverse economic and industry conditions; if our financial condition worsens, provisions in our credit card processing and other commercial agreements may adversely affect our liquidity; the loss of key personnel whom we depend on to operate our business, or the inability to attract, develop and retain additional qualified personnel could adversely affect our business; our business has been and will continue to be materially affected by many changing economic, geopolitical, commercial, regulatory and other conditions beyond our control, including global events that affect travel behavior; the airline industry is intensely competitive and dynamic; union disputes, employee strikes and other labor-related disruptions may adversely affect our operations and financial performance; if we encounter problems with any of our third-party regional operators or third-party service providers, our operations could be adversely affected by a resulting decline in revenue or negative public perception about our services; any damage to our reputation or brand image could adversely affect our business or financial results; risks of losses and adverse publicity from any public incidents involving our company, people or brand; changes to our business model that are designed to increase revenues and reduce costs may not be successful and may cause operational difficulties or decreased demand; our intellectual property rights, particularly our branding rights, are valuable, and any inability to protect them may adversely affect our business and financial results; we may be a party to litigation in the normal course of business or otherwise, which could affect our financial position and liquidity; we rely heavily on technology and automated systems, including artificial intelligence, to operate our business, and any failures could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition; evolving data privacy requirements could increase our costs, and any significant cybersecurity incident could disrupt our operations, harm our reputation, expose us to legal risks and otherwise materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition; we are exposed to risks from cyberattacks, and any cybersecurity incidents involving us, our third-party service providers, or one of our AAdvantage partners or other business partners; we have a significant amount of goodwill, which is assessed for impairment at least annually. We may never realize the full value of our intangible or long-lived assets, causing us to record material impairment charges; the commercial relationships that we have with other companies, including any related equity investments, may not produce the returns or results we expect; our business is very dependent on the price and availability of aircraft fuel. Continued periods of high volatility in fuel costs, increased fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel could have a significant negative impact on consumer demand, our operating results and liquidity; our business is subject to extensive government regulation; we can be adversely affected by any prolonged partial or full U.S. Government shutdown; we operate a global business with international operations that are subject to economic and political instability and have been, and in the future may continue to be, adversely affected by numerous events, circumstances or government actions beyond our control; we may be adversely affected by conflicts overseas, terrorist attacks or other acts of violence, domestically or abroad; the travel industry continues to face ongoing security concerns; we are subject to risks associated with climate change, including increased regulation of our greenhouse gas emissions, changing consumer preferences and the potential for increased impacts of severe weather events on our operations and infrastructure; we are subject to various risks associated with environmental and social matters, and many forms of environmental and noise regulation; a shortage of pilots or other personnel could materially adversely affect our business; we depend on a limited number of suppliers for aircraft, aircraft engines and parts. Delays in scheduled aircraft deliveries, unexpected grounding of aircraft or aircraft engines whether by regulators or by us, or other loss of anticipated fleet capacity, and failure of new aircraft to receive regulatory approval, be produced or otherwise perform as and when expected, adversely impacts our business, results of operations and financial condition; we rely on third-party distribution channels and must effectively manage the costs, rights and functionality of these channels; if we are unable to obtain and maintain adequate facilities and infrastructure throughout our system and, at some airports, adequate slots, we may be unable to operate our existing flight schedule and to expand or change our route network in the future; interruptions or disruptions in service at one of our key facilities; increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage, and heavy taxation of the airline industry; risks related to ownership of AAG common stock; and other risks set forth herein as well as in the company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (especially in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q (especially in Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors), and other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, there may be other factors of which the company is not currently aware that may affect matters discussed in the forward-looking statements and may also cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. The company does not assume any obligation to publicly update or supplement any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting these forward-looking statements other than as required by law. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the statement.

Financial tables

American Airlines Group Inc.  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  
(In millions, except share and per share amounts)  
(Unaudited)  
                           
    3 Months Ended
September 30,
  Percent
Increase
  9 Months Ended
September 30,
  Percent
Increase
 
      2026       2025     (Decrease)     2026       2025     (Decrease)  
                           
Operating revenues:                          
Passenger   $ 14,900     $ 12,471     19.5     $ 42,609     $ 36,985     15.2    
Cargo     274       212     29.1       761       612     24.3    
Other     1,161       1,008     15.2       3,612       3,037     18.9    
Total operating revenues     16,335       13,691     19.3       46,982       40,634     15.6    
                           
Operating expenses:                          
Aircraft fuel and related taxes     4,635       2,767     67.5       12,444       8,017     55.2    
Salaries, wages and benefits     4,713       4,461     5.7       14,027       13,065     7.4    
Regional expenses:                          
Regional operating expenses     1,356       1,286     5.5       4,012       3,809     5.3    
Regional depreciation and amortization     93       84     10.5       276       244     13.0    
Maintenance, materials and repairs     1,092       1,028     6.2       3,100       2,876     7.8    
Other rent and landing fees     996       906     9.9       2,862       2,627     9.0    
Aircraft rent     309       310     (0.5 )     926       910     1.7    
Selling expenses     553       483     14.7       1,664       1,467     13.4    
Depreciation and amortization     493       474     3.9       1,446       1,418     2.0    
Special items, net     9       7     22.5       29       125     (76.6 )  
Other     1,971       1,734     13.7       5,675       5,061     12.1    
Total operating expenses     16,220       13,540     19.8       46,461       39,619     17.3    
                           
Operating income     115       151     (23.4 )     521       1,015     (48.7 )  
                           
Nonoperating income (expense):                          
Interest income     87       90     (3.8 )     217       285     (24.0 )  
Interest expense, net     (435 )     (432 )   0.7       (1,242 )     (1,294 )   (4.0 )  
Other income (expense), net     (101 )     49     nm (1)     (198 )     42     nm    
Total nonoperating expense, net     (449 )     (293 )   53.8       (1,223 )     (967 )   26.5    
                           
Income (loss) before income taxes     (334 )     (142 )   nm       (702 )     48     nm    
                               
Income tax provision (benefit)     (65 )     (28 )   nm       (122 )     36     nm    
                               
Net income (loss)   $ (269 )   $ (114 )   nm     $ (580 )   $ 12     nm    
                           
                           
Earnings (loss) per common share:                          
Basic   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.17 )       $ (0.88 )   $ 0.02        
Diluted   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.17 )       $ (0.88 )   $ 0.02        
                           
Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands):                          
Basic     662,706       660,358           662,026       659,788        
Diluted     662,706       660,358           662,026       660,784        
                           
                           
                           
Note: Percent change may not recalculate due to rounding.
                           
(1) Not meaningful or greater than 100% change.  
                           

American Airlines Group Inc.
Consolidated Operating Statistics (1)
(Unaudited)
                             
    3 Months Ended
September 30,
  Increase     9 Months Ended
September 30,
  Increase  
    2026   2025   (Decrease)     2026   2025   (Decrease)  
                             
Revenue passenger miles (millions)   67,265   66,580   1.0   %   193,934   188,698   2.8   %
Available seat miles (ASM) (millions)   80,680   77,400   4.2   %   234,533   224,939   4.3   %
Passenger load factor (percent)   83.4   86.0   (2.6 ) pts   82.7   83.9   (1.2 ) pts
Yield (cents)   22.15   18.73   18.3   %   21.97   19.60   12.1   %
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)   18.47   16.11   14.6   %   18.17   16.44   10.5   %
Total revenue per ASM (cents)   20.25   17.69   14.5   %   20.03   18.06   10.9   %
Cargo ton miles (millions)   625   545   14.7   %   1,790   1,550   15.5   %
Cargo yield per ton mile (cents)   43.86   38.94   12.6   %   42.52   39.52   7.6   %
                             
Fuel consumption (gallons in millions)   1,204   1,169   3.0   %   3,473   3,375   2.9   %
Average aircraft fuel price including related taxes (dollars per gallon)   3.85   2.37   62.7   %   3.58   2.38   50.8   %
                             
Operating cost per ASM (cents)   20.10   17.49   14.9   %   19.81   17.61   12.5   %
Operating cost per ASM excluding net special items (cents)   20.08   17.48   14.9   %   19.79   17.56   12.7   %
Operating cost per ASM excluding net special items and fuel (cents)   14.34   13.91   3.1   %   14.49   13.99   3.5   %
Operating cost per ASM excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing (cents) 14.34   13.92   3.0   %   14.49   13.98   3.6   %
                             
Passenger enplanements (thousands)   58,143   58,474   (0.6 ) %   169,014   168,220   0.5   %
Departures (thousands):                            
Mainline   304   298   2.3   %   896   881   1.7   %
Regional   281   267   5.3   %   820   787   4.2   %
Total   585   565   3.7   %   1,716   1,668   2.9   %
Average stage length (miles):                            
Mainline   1,220   1,201   1.6   %   1,212   1,188   2.0   %
Regional   471   464   1.4   %   473   465   1.9   %
Total   861   853   0.9   %   859   846   1.5   %
Aircraft at end of period:                            
Mainline   1,037   998   3.9   %   1,037   998   3.9   %
Regional (2)   587   557   5.4   %   587   557   5.4   %
Total   1,624   1,555   4.4   %   1,624   1,555   4.4   %
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period:                            
Mainline   107,700   104,900   2.7   %   107,700   104,900   2.7   %
Regional (3)   33,400   32,000   4.4   %   33,400   32,000   4.4   %
Total   141,100   136,900   3.1   %   141,100   136,900   3.1   %
                             
                             
Note: Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.                            
                             
(1) Unless otherwise noted, operating statistics include mainline and regional operations. Regional includes wholly-owned regional airline subsidiaries and operating results from capacity purchase carriers.
(2) Includes aircraft owned and leased by American as well as aircraft operated by third-party regional carriers under capacity purchase agreements. Excluded from the aircraft count above are two Bombardier CRJ900 regional aircraft that are held in temporary storage as of September 30, 2026.
(3) Regional full-time equivalent employees only include our wholly-owned regional airline subsidiaries.
                             

American Airlines Group Inc.
Consolidated Revenue Statistics by Region
(Unaudited)
                             
    3 Months Ended
September 30,
  Increase     9 Months Ended
September 30,
  Increase  
    2026   2025   (Decrease)     2026   2025   (Decrease)  
                             
Domestic (1)                            
Revenue passenger miles (millions)   44,579   43,741   1.9   %   129,068   125,206   3.1   %
Available seat miles (ASM) (millions)   54,096   51,106   5.9   %   157,579   149,762   5.2   %
Passenger load factor (percent)   82.4   85.6   (3.2 ) pts   81.9   83.6   (1.7 ) pts
Passenger revenue (dollars in millions)   10,489   8,723   20.2   %   30,205   26,010   16.1   %
Yield (cents)   23.53   19.94   18.0   %   23.40   20.77   12.7   %
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)   19.39   17.07   13.6   %   19.17   17.37   10.4   %
                             
Latin America (2)                            
Revenue passenger miles (millions)   7,706   7,726   (0.3 ) %   26,612   26,106   1.9   %
Available seat miles (millions)   8,807   8,832   (0.3 ) %   31,379   30,560   2.7   %
Passenger load factor (percent)   87.5   87.5   –   pts   84.8   85.4   (0.6 ) pts
Passenger revenue (dollars in millions)   1,618   1,340   20.7   %   5,307   4,795   10.7   %
Yield (cents)   20.99   17.34   21.1   %   19.94   18.37   8.6   %
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)   18.37   15.17   21.1   %   16.91   15.69   7.8   %
                             
Atlantic                            
Revenue passenger miles (millions)   12,746   12,951   (1.6 ) %   30,802   30,317   1.6   %
Available seat miles (millions)   15,023   14,878   1.0   %   36,708   36,255   1.2   %
Passenger load factor (percent)   84.8   87.0   (2.2 ) pts   83.9   83.6   0.3   pts
Passenger revenue (dollars in millions)   2,438   2,109   15.6   %   5,893   5,160   14.2   %
Yield (cents)   19.13   16.28   17.5   %   19.13   17.02   12.4   %
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)   16.23   14.17   14.5   %   16.05   14.23   12.8   %
                             
Pacific                            
Revenue passenger miles (millions)   2,234   2,162   3.3   %   7,452   7,069   5.4   %
Available seat miles (millions)   2,754   2,584   6.6   %   8,867   8,362   6.0   %
Passenger load factor (percent)   81.1   83.7   (2.6 ) pts   84.0   84.5   (0.5 ) pts
Passenger revenue (dollars in millions)   355   299   18.5   %   1,204   1,020   18.0   %
Yield (cents)   15.88   13.84   14.8   %   16.15   14.43   11.9   %
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)   12.88   11.58   11.3   %   13.57   12.20   11.3   %
                             
Total International                            
Revenue passenger miles (millions)   22,686   22,839   (0.7 ) %   64,866   63,492   2.2   %
Available seat miles (millions)   26,584   26,294   1.1   %   76,954   75,177   2.4   %
Passenger load factor (percent)   85.3   86.9   (1.6 ) pts   84.3   84.5   (0.2 ) pts
Passenger revenue (dollars in millions)   4,411   3,748   17.7   %   12,404   10,975   13.0   %
Yield (cents)   19.44   16.41   18.5   %   19.12   17.29   10.6   %
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)   16.59   14.25   16.4   %   16.12   14.60   10.4   %
                             
Note: Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.                            
                             
(1) Domestic results include Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
(2) Latin America results include the Caribbean.
                             

Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Information to Non-GAAP Financial Information                      
                             
American Airlines Group Inc. (the Company) sometimes uses financial measures that are derived from the condensed consolidated financial statements but that are not presented in accordance with GAAP to understand and evaluate its current operating performance and to allow for period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures may also provide useful information to investors and others. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP measures of other companies, and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flow or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company is providing a reconciliation of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their comparable financial measures on a GAAP basis.

 
The tables below present the reconciliations of the following GAAP measures to their non-GAAP measures: 

 
– Operating Income (GAAP measure) to Operating Income Excluding Net Special Items (non-GAAP measure) 
– Operating Margin (GAAP measure) to Operating Margin Excluding Net Special Items (non-GAAP measure)
– Pre-Tax Income (Loss) (GAAP measure) to Pre-Tax Income (Loss) Excluding Net Special Items (non-GAAP measure)
– Pre-Tax Margin (GAAP measure) to Pre-Tax Margin Excluding Net Special Items (non-GAAP measure)
– Net Income (Loss) (GAAP measure) to Net Income (Loss) Excluding Net Special Items (non-GAAP measure)
– Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (GAAP measure) to Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Excluding Net Special Items (non-GAAP measure)

 
Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate the Company’s current operating performance and to allow for period-to-period comparisons. As net special items may vary from period-to-period in nature and amount, the adjustment to exclude net special items provides management with an additional tool to understand the Company’s core operating performance.

 
Additionally, the tables below present the reconciliations of total operating costs (GAAP measure) to total operating costs excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing (non-GAAP measure) and total operating costs per ASM (CASM) to CASM excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing. Management uses total operating costs excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing and CASM excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing to evaluate the Company’s current operating performance and to allow for period-to-period comparisons. The price of fuel, over which the Company has no control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance. Additionally, the Company excludes profit sharing to allow investors to better understand and analyze its operating cost performance and to provide a more meaningful comparison of its core operating costs to the airline industry. The adjustment to exclude net special items, fuel and profit sharing provides management with an additional tool to understand and analyze the Company’s non-fuel costs and core operating performance.  
   
  Reconciliation of Operating Income Excluding Net Special Items   3 Months Ended
September 30,
  Percent
Increase
  9 Months Ended
September 30,
Percent
Increase
 
      2026       2025     (Decrease)     2026       2025     (Decrease)  
      (in millions)       (in millions)      
                             
  Operating income as reported   $ 115     $ 151         $ 521     $ 1,015        
  Operating net special items:                          
  Mainline operating special items, net (1)     9       7           29       125        
  Regional operating special items, net     8       –           8       –        
  Operating income excluding net special items   $ 132     $ 158     (16.2 %)   $ 558     $ 1,140     (51.0 %)  
                             
  Calculation of Operating Margin                          
                             
  Operating income as reported   $ 115     $ 151         $ 521     $ 1,015        
                             
  Total operating revenues as reported   $ 16,335     $ 13,691         $ 46,982     $ 40,634        
                             
  Operating margin     0.7 %     1.1 %         1.1 %     2.5 %      
                             
  Calculation of Operating Margin Excluding Net Special Items                          
                             
  Operating income excluding net special items   $ 132     $ 158         $ 558     $ 1,140        
                             
  Total operating revenues as reported   $ 16,335     $ 13,691         $ 46,982     $ 40,634        
                             
  Operating margin excluding net special items     0.8 %     1.2 %         1.2 %     2.8 %      
                             
  Reconciliation of Pre-Tax Income (Loss) Excluding Net Special Items                          
                             
  Pre-tax income (loss) as reported   $ (334 )   $ (142 )       $ (702 )   $ 48        
  Pre-tax net special items:                          
  Mainline operating special items, net (1)     9       7           29       125        
  Regional operating special items, net     8       –           8       –        
  Nonoperating special items, net (2)     95       (4 )         259       28        
  Total pre-tax net special items     112       3           296       153        
                             
  Pre-tax income (loss) excluding net special items   $ (222 )   $ (139 )   60.1 %   $ (406 )   $ 201     nm  
                             
  Calculation of Pre-Tax Margin                          
                             
  Pre-tax income (loss) as reported   $ (334 )   $ (142 )       $ (702 )   $ 48        
                             
  Total operating revenues as reported   $ 16,335     $ 13,691         $ 46,982     $ 40,634        
                             
  Pre-tax margin     (2.0 %)     (1.0 %)         (1.5 %)     0.1 %      
                             
  Calculation of Pre-Tax Margin Excluding Net Special Items                          
                             
  Pre-tax income (loss) excluding net special items   $ (222 )   $ (139 )       $ (406 )   $ 201        
                             
  Total operating revenues as reported   $ 16,335     $ 13,691         $ 46,982     $ 40,634        
                             
  Pre-tax margin excluding net special items     (1.4 %)     (1.0 %)         (0.9 %)     0.5 %      
                             
                             
      3 Months Ended
September 30,
  Percent
Increase
  9 Months Ended
September 30,
Percent
Increase
 
  Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Excluding Net Special Items     2026       2025     (Decrease)     2026       2025     (Decrease)  
      (in millions, except share and per share amounts)       (in millions, except share and per share amounts)      
                             
  Net income (loss) as reported   $ (269 )   $ (114 )       $ (580 )   $ 12        
  Net special items:                          
  Total pre-tax net special items (1), (2)     112       3           296       153        
  Net tax effect of net special items     (25 )     –           (66 )     (34 )      
  Net income (loss) excluding net special items   $ (182 )   $ (111 )   63.7 %   $ (350 )   $ 131     nm  
                             
  Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Excluding Net Special Items                          
                             
  Net income (loss) excluding net special items   $ (182 )   $ (111 )       $ (350 )   $ 131        
                             
  Shares used for computation (in thousands):                          
  Basic     662,706       660,358           662,026       659,788        
  Diluted     662,706       660,358           662,026       660,784        
                             
  Earnings (loss) per share excluding net special items:                          
  Basic   $ (0.28 )   $ (0.17 )       $ (0.53 )   $ 0.20        
  Diluted   $ (0.28 )   $ (0.17 )       $ (0.53 )   $ 0.20        
                             
  Reconciliation of Total Operating Costs per ASM Excluding Net Special Items, Fuel and Profit Sharing                          
                             
  Total operating expenses as reported   $ 16,220     $ 13,540         $ 46,461     $ 39,619        
                             
  Operating net special items:                          
  Mainline operating special items, net (1)     (9 )     (7 )         (29 )     (125 )      
  Regional operating special items, net     (8 )     –           (8 )     –        
  Total operating expenses excluding net special items     16,203       13,533           46,424       39,494        
                             
  Aircraft fuel and related taxes     (4,635 )     (2,767 )         (12,444 )     (8,017 )      
  Total operating expenses excluding net special items and fuel     11,568       10,766           33,980       31,477        
                             
  Profit sharing     –       8           –       (33 )      
  Total operating expenses excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing   $ 11,568     $ 10,774         $ 33,980     $ 31,444        
                             
      (in cents)       (in cents)    
                             
  Total operating expenses per ASM as reported     20.10       17.49           19.81       17.61        
                             
  Operating net special items per ASM:                          
  Mainline operating special items, net (1)     (0.01 )     (0.01 )         (0.01 )     (0.06 )      
  Regional operating special items, net     (0.01 )     –           –       –        
  Total operating expenses per ASM excluding net special items     20.08       17.48           19.79       17.56        
                             
  Aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM     (5.74 )     (3.58 )         (5.31 )     (3.56 )      
  Total operating expenses per ASM excluding net special items and fuel     14.34       13.91           14.49       13.99        
                             
  Profit sharing per ASM     –       0.01           –       (0.01 )      
  Total operating expenses per ASM excluding net special items, fuel and profit sharing     14.34       13.92           14.49       13.98        
                             
  Note: Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.                      
                             
  FOOTNOTES:                          
                             
(1) The 2025 nine month period mainline operating special items, net principally included a one-time charge resulting from adjustments to vacation accruals due to pay rate increases effective January 1, 2025, following the ratification of the contract extension in the fourth quarter of 2024 with the Company’s mainline maintenance and fleet service team members and adjustments to litigation reserves.  
                             
(2) Principally included mark-to-market net unrealized gains and losses associated with certain equity investments as well as charges associated with debt refinancings and extinguishments. Additionally, the 2026 third quarter and nine month period included an impairment charge related to the Company’s equity investment in Republic Airways Holdings Inc.  
                             

American Airlines Group Inc.  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
(In millions) (Unaudited)  
               
        9 Months Ended
September 30,
 
          2026       2025    
               
  Net cash provided by operating activities $ 4,541     $ 3,373    
  Cash flows from investing activities:        
  Capital expenditures and aircraft purchase deposits   (2,728 )     (2,149 )  
  Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions and sale of property and equipment   77       243    
  Purchases of short-term investments   (5,026 )     (4,801 )  
  Sales of short-term investments   2,751       4,944    
  Decrease (increase) in restricted short-term investments   180       (20 )  
  Other investing activities   (79 )     279    
  Net cash used in investing activities   (4,825 )     (1,504 )  
  Cash flows from financing activities:        
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt   5,933       2,169    
  Payments on long-term debt and finance leases   (5,347 )     (4,087 )  
  Other financing activities   (130 )     85    
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   456       (1,833 )  
  Net increase in cash and restricted cash   172       36    
  Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period   1,056       902    
  Cash and restricted cash at end of period (1) $ 1,228     $ 938    
               
               
‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾            
(1) The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and restricted cash to amounts reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets:  
               
  Cash   $ 1,124     $ 835    
  Restricted cash included in restricted cash and short-term investments   104       103    
  Total cash and restricted cash $ 1,228     $ 938    
               

American Airlines Group Inc.  
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
(In millions, except shares)  
   
         
  September 30, 2026   December 31, 2025  
  (unaudited)      
Assets        
         
Current assets        
Cash $ 1,124     $ 954    
Short-term investments   7,163       4,882    
Restricted cash and short-term investments   555       735    
Accounts receivable, net   1,928       2,075    
Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, net   3,171       2,792    
Prepaid expenses and other   800       767    
Total current assets   14,741       12,205    
         
Operating property and equipment        
Flight equipment   48,715       46,597    
Ground property and equipment   10,808       10,479    
Equipment purchase deposits   633       656    
Total property and equipment, at cost   60,156       57,732    
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization   (26,530 )     (25,192 )  
Total property and equipment, net   33,626       32,540    
         
Operating lease right-of-use assets   6,744       7,091    
         
Other assets        
Goodwill   4,091       4,091    
Intangibles, net   2,067       2,066    
Deferred tax asset   2,477       2,368    
Other assets   1,272       1,413    
Total other assets   9,907       9,938    
         
Total assets $ 65,018     $ 61,774    
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)        
         
Current liabilities        
Current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases $ 3,692     $ 3,753    
Accounts payable   3,334       2,840    
Accrued salaries and wages   2,175       2,128    
Air traffic liability   9,414       7,158    
Loyalty program liability   4,446       3,725    
Operating lease liabilities   1,032       1,058    
Fuel financing   933       914    
Other accrued liabilities   2,997       2,916    
Total current liabilities   28,023       24,492    
         
Noncurrent liabilities        
Long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities   25,943       25,254    
Pension and postretirement benefits   1,099       1,568    
Loyalty program liability   7,068       6,839    
Operating lease liabilities   5,607       5,905    
Other liabilities   1,502       1,443    
Total noncurrent liabilities   41,219       41,009    
         
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)        
Common stock, 662,618,434 shares outstanding at September 30, 2026   7       7    
Additional paid-in capital   7,424       7,387    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (4,343 )     (4,389 )  
Retained deficit   (7,312 )     (6,732 )  
Total stockholders’ deficit   (4,224 )     (3,727 )  
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) $ 65,018     $ 61,774    
         

Total Debt and Net Debt    
       
The Company’s total debt and net debt are presented below, which are non-GAAP measures that management believes are useful for assessing the Company’s debt profile. Total debt is defined as debt, finance and operating lease liabilities and pension obligations, and net debt is defined as total debt, net of unrestricted cash and short-term investments.  
       
Total Debt and Net Debt (at end of period)   September 30, 2026
    (in millions)  
       
Debt and finance leases   $ 29,635  
Operating lease liabilities     6,639  
Pension obligations     92  
Total debt     36,366  
Less: cash and short-term investments     8,287  
Net debt   $ 28,079  
       

Corporate Communications
mediarelations@aa.com

Investor Relations
investor.relations@aa.com


Primary Logo

Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. The News Headliner takes no editorial responsibility for the same.