Vantage Point

This monthly column presented by American Airlines President and CEO Gerard Arpey highlights the current happenings in aviation. Each month you will be brought up to date on the status of the airline, current corporate initiatives, new routes and upcoming services that are being planned specifically for the passengers of American Airlines. Keep yourself in the know!

Articles

Giving Thanks - 11-1-2009

»With Thanksgiving upon us, I would like to use this month’s column to express heartfelt gratitude, both personally and on behalf of the entire American Airlines team, to the men and women of the United States armed forces; their courage and sacrifice make it possible for us to do the work we love to do and to live the lives we want to live. The people of American Airlines realize that we owe a debt to our country’s active-duty soldiers and veterans — and to their families — that can never really be repaid. But we feel duty-bound to provide whatever support we can.

¡Gracias, Miami! - 10-1-2009

»No, I haven’t abdicated responsibility for writing my column this month. Rather, because I have long believed that the biggest factor separating American Airlines from the many carriers that have gone bankrupt or disappeared over the years is our people, and because this month we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of our Miami hub, I want to spotlight the architect and driving force behind our success in Miami -- and throughout the Caribbean and Latin America -- over the last two decades. His name is Peter Dolara, and he is the man you see pictured above.

One-Way Flex Awards - 9-1-2009

»One of the things I love most about air travel is the chance it gives me to appreciate both the similarities and the differences among people of different cultures and backgrounds. At American Airlines, part of what makes our job so interesting and challenging is the fact that people fly for a multitude of reasons. And while there are certain basics that every customer expects and deserves -- safety, dependability, and courtesy among them -- our mission is to deliver what each individual customer truly values within the incredibly diverse and constantly changing spectrum of tastes and preferences.

Happy Anniversary! - 8-1-2009

»In 1939, American Airlines made a groundbreaking investment in customer satisfaction by purchasing a fleet of 14 limousines to transport travelers in three AA cities to and from the airport. Alas, as much as our customers enjoyed the extravagance, the limousine service did not last. However, another industry-first innovation, the American Airlines Admirals Club, launched that same year, and it has stood the test of time. I’m pleased to devote this month’s column to that 70-year-old institution.

Operation Iraqi Children - 7-1-2009

»This month brings one of my favorite holidays: the Fourth of July. It’s a celebration of American independence and freedom. Freedom is a precious gift, one I believe comes with the responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves. With that in mind, I would like to use this month’s column to shine a light on a program called Operation Iraqi Children (OIC), which is devoted to giving some deserving kids a chance at a better life.

Mobility - 6-1-2009

»In this month’s column, I would like to discuss a cause that is near and dear to our hearts at American Airlines: mobility. The ability to go wherever your mind and heart take you is what air travel is all about. Simply by doing our jobs, we give wings to the dreams and aspirations of millions of people around the world. That’s a blessing we’ll never take for granted. Unfortunately, many of us do take for granted how precious a gift it is to simply move from one place to another -- to be able to embrace a loved one, shake hands with a business partner, enjoy a much-needed vacation, or do any of a number of other things.

Preparing for Tomorrow - 5-1-2009

»This month, I want to emphasize that while our industry and our company are anything but immune from the challenges our economy is facing (we have made, and will continue to make, difficult choices as we navigate through this economic storm), we continue to invest in the long-term future of our company.

Appreciation - 4-1-2009

»“The deepest principle in human nature,” said philosopher William James, “is the craving to be appreciated.” You may have noticed that I always end my column by letting you know how much my American Airlines colleagues and I appreciate your business. It seems appropriate in these challenging economic times to up the ante this month by moving my heartfelt thank-you to the top of the column.

AA Means Business - 3-1-2009

»CEO Gerard Arpey talks about a series of programs called the American Airlines Business Suite that make travel more enjoyable, productive and rewarding for small- and medium-size businesses.

tenyears of oneworld - 2-1-2009

»What do you remember about 1999? I remember the price of oil being around $20 a barrel, the Dow Jones Industrial Average breaking 10,000 points, and Lance Armstrong winning his first Tour de France.

Fit for a King - 1-1-2009

»If you are reading this column aboard an American Airlines jet, as I assume most of you are, take a quick look around the cabin. Check out your fellow travelers and imagine the multitude of reasons they are flying today.

The Perfect Gift - 12-1-2008

»We'd love to hear what you think about our airline and our employees. Please write to us at www.aa.com/customerrelations. LOOK WHAT'S NEW - Want to sign up for free e-mail notification of Gerard Arpey's column or to see past columns? Clic...


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