American Airlines was founded in 1930 by a group of aviation enthusiasts who had purchased a small fleet of aircraft from the now-defunct Boeing Air Transport. The airline initially operated a few routes in the eastern United States and was known as American Airways.

In 1934, American Airways was acquired by E.L. Cord, a businessman who wanted to expand the airline's operations. Cord reorganized the company and renamed it American Airlines, Inc. He also hired a young pilot named Eddie Rickenbacker, who had gained fame as a World War I fighter ace, to serve as the company's president. Under Rickenbacker's leadership, American Airlines experienced rapid growth and began to expand its network of routes throughout the United States.

In the 1940s, American Airlines became the first airline to offer regularly scheduled transcontinental flights. It also introduced the concept of "flagship" service, which offered premium amenities such as gourmet meals and private sleeping compartments for long-haul flights. In the 1950s and 1960s, American continued to expand its operations, adding new routes and acquiring other airlines.

In the 1980s, American Airlines faced increasing competition from low-cost carriers and underwent a series of changes in an effort to remain competitive. In 1982, it introduced the AAdvantage frequent flyer program, which allowed passengers to earn miles for flying with American and its partners. In 1987, it launched a low-cost airline subsidiary called American Eagle, which operated flights within the United States and to international destinations.

In the 1990s, American Airlines underwent a major restructuring effort in order to improve its financial performance. It also introduced a new corporate identity, with a new logo and a new livery for its aircraft.

One of the most significant events in the history of American Airlines was the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Two of the planes that were hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center towers were American Airlines flights: Flight 11 from Boston to Los Angeles, and Flight 77 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. The attacks resulted in the deaths of all passengers and crew members on board the flights, as well as thousands of people in the towers.

The September 11 attacks had a profound impact on the airline industry and American Airlines was no exception. The company faced financial difficulties in the aftermath of the attacks and was forced to file for bankruptcy protection in 2011. It emerged from bankruptcy in 2013 and has since undergone several restructuring efforts in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

Today, American Airlines is a major global airline, with a fleet of more than 900 aircraft serving destinations in over 50 countries around the world. It is a founding member of the OneWorld alliance, a global airline alliance that offers its customers a wide range of travel options and destinations. Despite the challenges it has faced over the years, American Airlines remains one of the most respected and well-known airlines in the world, known for its commitment to safety, reliability, and customer service.