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On April 15, 1926, Charles Lindbergh flew for the Robertson Aircraft Corporation of Missiouri, which consolidated with several other corporations, members of Aviation Corporation, performing the first commercial flight for any of the airlines that would merge to become American Airlines on January 15, 1930. The Corporation would become known for many things, such as its progressive stance for incorporating women into the work force. It became, in 1973, the first major airline to hire a woman pilot, Bonnie Tiburzi. Somewhat earlier, in 1970, American Airlines gained its first Caribbean routes by merging with Trans Caribbean Airways and increasing its size even more. Though it is one of the most prestigious airlines in the world, AA has suffered losses and setbacks during its history. For example, in just one year, 1994, the two of the airlines’ planes crashed. The crew died in both crashes, and the passenger death toll was 77 (combined). The company offers a great variety of jobs, such as positions in Customer Service, Airport jobs (such as baggage and cargo), as flight attendants, maintenance and mechanics, management and professionals, and as pilots. Great benefits are offered in the area of Health and Life, such as medical plans, dental, life, disability, vision, as well as optional plans such as long term care, legal aid, and reimbursement accounts. Financial Benefits is another strong area, in which employees receive incentives, 401(k) matching funds, an excellent employee credit union, and more. In the area of Work and Life Balance, help is provided to people who are having trouble meeting their own business and personal life challenges. In Career Development, additional training through a variety of media, as well as job search tools, is offered to employees. As far as products and their prices, many programs exist that can be taken advantage of through American Airlines, such as AAdvantage, a travel awards program through which members earn miles when staying at AAdvantage hotel partners or when renting a car from a partner company or by purchasing flight tickets through American Airlines or any of its subsidiaries (basic programs starts at $50). A single regular member can also join the Admirals Club for $450, annually, which allows you to stay at one of their many airport lounges around the world and enjoy the services provided there. An American Airlines Credit Card which is initially free but has an annual prime rate of 18.24%, and purchases go towards tickets through American Airlines and its partner, passes to Admirals Clubs, and more. The TrAAvel Perks Program is a travel club that can be joined for $134, and many benefits are given to the customer, such as 50% airfare discounts with American Airlines partners and 2,500 AAdvantage bonus miles. The AmericanAirlines C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has a gift shop with products ranging in price from $6-375, offering products such as clock, jewelry, clothes, desktop ornaments, toys, DVD about the Airlines’ history, and much more. |
by Elisa Santiago and Nicole Schwaeble |