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American Airlines and OBAP celebrate 50 years of progress and 100 years of flight
Historic partnership, with American Airlines as Title Sponsor of OBAP's 50th Annual Conference, honors legacy and builds a runway for an inclusive future in
About this update from American Airlines Group, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Historic partnership, with American Airlines as Title Sponsor of OBAP's 50th Annual Conference, honors legacy and builds a runway for an inclusive future in aviationCHICAGO and FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and American Airlines proudly announce their partnership for OBAP's 50th Anniversary Celebration. As the event's official Title Sponsor, American Airlines joins OBAP in honoring five decades of advancing awareness, access and opportunities for careers in aviation for those who otherwise may have not known it was possible. This partnership is especially significant as American Airlines celebrates its centennial year in 2026, marking 100 years of connecting people and places around the world.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nAmerican Airlines: Title Sponsor of OBAP 50th Anniversary, honoring powerful legacy, advancing inclusive aviation future\"American Airlines is proud to sponsor OBAP's 50th Anniversary Celebration — and to partner every day — as we have a shared mission of creating pathways for future generations to thrive in aviation,\" said David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer at American Airlines. \"As we celebrate our centennial year and look Forever Forward, we recognize that progress happens when we invest in people and partnerships that strengthen our industry. This milestone is not just about honoring history — it's about building a future where talent and opportunity soar together.\"The collaboration reflects a shared history rooted in breaking barriers. In 1964, American Airlines made history when it hired Captain David E. Harris, the first Black commercial airline pilot. Ten years later, Harris joined fellow pioneers to establish OBAP, then known as the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, creating a network dedicated to opening doors for underrepresented communities in aerospace. That vision continues to inspire progress across the industry today.\"Captain David Harris' groundbreaking achievement in 1964 forever changed the face of aviation and ignited a legacy of progress that still shapes our industry today,\" said OBAP Board Chair Tennesse Garvey. \"This partnership with American Airlines is more than a celebration of where we've been — it is a promise to accelerate where we are going. Together, we are working to ensure that opportunity reaches...