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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
FORM10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018
2021
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From                          to                         
Commission file number 1-8400
American Airlines Group Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware75-1825172
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
4333 Amon Carter Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76155(817) 963-1234
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Delaware75-1825172
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1 Skyview Drive,Fort Worth,Texas76155(682)278-9000
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of Exchangeeach exchange on Which Registeredwhich registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per shareNASDAQAALThe Nasdaq Global Select Market
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights(1)
(1) Attached to the Common Stock
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Commission file number 1-2691
American Airlines, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware13-1502798
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
4333 Amon Carter Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76155(817) 963-1234
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Delaware13-1502798
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1 Skyview Drive,Fort Worth,Texas76155(682)278-9000
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 



Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
American Airlines Group Inc.YesNo
American Airlines, Inc.YesNo


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
American Airlines Group Inc.YesNo
American Airlines, Inc.YesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
American Airlines Group Inc.YesNo
American Airlines, Inc.YesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
American Airlines Group Inc.YesNo
American Airlines, Inc.YesNo
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
American Airlines Group Inc.
American Airlines, Inc.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
American Airlines Group Inc.Large accelerated filerAccelerated Filerfiler Accelerated Filer☐ Non-accelerated FilerfilerSmaller Reporting Companyreporting companyEmerging Growth Companygrowth company
American Airlines, Inc.Large accelerated filerAccelerated Filerfiler☐ Accelerated Filer☒ Non-accelerated FilerfilerSmaller Reporting Companyreporting companyEmerging Growth Companygrowth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
American Airlines Group Inc.
American Airlines, Inc.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
American Airlines Group Inc.YesNo
American Airlines, Inc.YesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
American Airlines Group Inc.YesNo
American Airlines, Inc.YesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
American Airlines Group Inc.YesNo
American Airlines, Inc.YesNo
As of February 20, 2019,18, 2022, there were 449,055,548649,160,117 shares of American Airlines Group Inc. common stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2018,2021, was approximately $17$13.6 billion.
As of February 20, 2019,18, 2022, there were 1,000 shares of American Airlines, Inc. common stock outstanding, all of which were held by American Airlines Group Inc.
OMISSION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION
American Airlines, Group Inc. and American Airlines, Inc. meetmeets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and havehas therefore omitted the information otherwise called for by Items 10-13 of Form 10-K as allowed under General Instruction I(2)(c).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the proxy statement related to American Airlines Group Inc.’s 20192022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which proxy statement will be filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 within 120 days of the end of American Airlines Group Inc.’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2021, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





American Airlines Group Inc.
American Airlines, Inc.
Form 10-K
Year Ended December 31, 20182021
Table of Contents
Page
Item 1.       
Item 1A.    
Item 1B.    
Item 2.       
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Item 5.       
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Item 7A.    
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Item 8B.    
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Item 9B.
Item 9C.
Item 10.    
Item 11.    
Item 13.    
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General
This report is filed by American Airlines Group Inc. (AAG) and its wholly-owned subsidiary American Airlines, Inc. (American). References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and similar terms refer to AAG and its consolidated subsidiaries. “AMR” or “AMR Corporation” refers to the Company during the period of time prior to its emergence from Chapter 11 and its acquisition of US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways Group) on December 9, 2013 (the Merger). References to US Airways Group and US Airways, Inc., a subsidiary of US Airways Group, (US Airways), represent the entities during the period of time prior to the dissolution of those entities in connection with AAG’s internal corporate restructuring on December 30, 2015. References in this report to “mainline” refer to the operations of American only and exclude regional operations.
Glossary of Terms
For the convenience of the reader, the definitions of certain capitalized industry and other terms used in this report have been consolidated into a glossary beginning on page 22.
Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the statements contained in this report should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), 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 our plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, estimates and strategies for the future, the continuing availability of borrowings under revolving lines of credit, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on our 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, those described below under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this report. There may be other factors of which we are 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. In particular, the consequences of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to economic conditions and the travel industry in general and our financial position and operating results in particular have been material, are changing rapidly, and cannot be predicted. We do 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 such statements other than as required by law. Forward-lookingAny forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or as of the dates indicated in the statements.




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Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, or the trading price of our common stock or other securities. We caution the reader that these risk factors may not be exhaustive. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time. Management cannot predict such new risks and uncertainties, nor can it assess the extent to which any of the risk factors below or any such new risks and uncertainties, or any combination thereof, may impact our business. These risks are more fully described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors. These risks include, among others, the following:
Risks Related to our Business
The outbreak and global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel which has and will continue to adversely impact our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
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 cause our business to be vulnerable to adverse economic and industry conditions.
We have significant pension and other postretirement benefit funding obligations, which may adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
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 upon whom we depend to operate our business or the inability to attract and develop additional qualified personnel could adversely affect our business.
Our business has been and will continue to be affected by many changing economic and other conditions beyond our control, including global events that affect travel behavior, and our results of operations could be volatile and fluctuate due to seasonality.
Union disputes, employee strikes and other labor-related disruptions, or our inability to otherwise maintain labor costs at competitive levels 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.
Changes to our business model that are designed to increase revenues 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.
Our ability to utilize our NOLs and other carryforwards may be limited.
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We have a significant amount of goodwill, which is assessed for impairment at least annually. In addition, we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets or long-lived assets, causing us to record material impairment charges.
Risks Related to the Airline Industry
The airline industry is intensely competitive and dynamic.
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 and 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, which may result in increases in our costs, disruptions to our operations, limits on our operating flexibility, reductions in the demand for air travel, and competitive disadvantages.
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 or terrorist attacks; the travel industry continues to face ongoing security concerns.
We are subject to risks associated with climate change, including increased regulation of our CO2 emissions, changing consumer preferences and the potential increased impacts of severe weather events on our operations and infrastructure.
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 or other loss of anticipated fleet capacity, and failure of new aircraft to perform as expected, may adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Werely heavily on technology and automated systems to operate our business, and any failure of these technologies or systems could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Evolving data security and privacy requirements could increase our costs, and any significant data security or privacy 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 rely on third-party distribution channels and must manage effectively 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, which may have a material adverse impact on our operations.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
American Airlines Group Inc. (AAG), a Delaware corporation, is a holding company and its principal, wholly-owned subsidiaries are American Airlines, Inc. (American), Envoy Aviation Group Inc. (Envoy), PSA Airlines, Inc. (PSA) and Piedmont Airlines, Inc. (Piedmont). AAG was formed in 1982, under the name AMR Corporation (AMR), as the parent company of American, which was founded in 1934.
AAG’s and American’s principal executive offices are located at 4333 Amon Carter Boulevard,1 Skyview Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76155 and their telephone number is 817-963-1234.682-278-9000.
Airline Operations
Our primary business activity is the operation of a major network carrier, providing scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo.
Together with our wholly-owned regional airline subsidiaries and third-party regional carriers operating as American Eagle, our airline operates an averageprimary business activity is the operation of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countriesa major network air carrier, providing scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo through our hubs and gateways in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. In 2018, approximately 204and partner gateways, including in London, Madrid, Seattle/Tacoma, Sydney and Tokyo (among others).
More than 165 million passengers boarded our flights. During 2018,flights in 2021, compared to 95 million passengers in 2020 and 215 million passengers in 2019. Since March 2020, we launchedhave experienced an unprecedented decline in the demand for air travel due to the impact of COVID-19, which has resulted in a material deterioration in our revenues. Our capacity continues to be reduced compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, with total capacity in 2021 down 24.7% as compared to 2019. Domestic capacity in 2021 was down 14.5% while international capacity was down 44.9% as compared to 2019. While demand for domestic and short-haul international markets has largely recovered to 2019 levels, uncertainty remains regarding the timing of a full recovery. We will continue to match our forward capacity with observed booking trends for future travel and make further adjustments to our capacity as needed.
COVID-19 has been declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has surfaced in nearly all regions of the world, which has driven the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to prevent or reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, testing regimes, closing of borders, “stay at home” orders and business closures. Ongoing global vaccination efforts and the corresponding lifting of government restrictions in and between many markets resulted in a partial recovery in demand for air travel in 2021, which improved our revenues as compared to 2020. However, the return of demand was weaker than previous expectations and the speed and strength of this recovery remain uncertain, primarily due to the global rise in COVID-19 cases associated with the delta and omicron variants and the potential for continuation or reimposition of restrictions on global travel. The continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any increases in infection rates, new seasonal nonstop servicevariants and renewed governmental action to Budapest, Hungary and Prague, Czech Republic from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), to Venice, Italy from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and to Reykjavik-Keflavik, Iceland from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), further expanding our global footprint. We also announced new seasonal nonstop service beginning in summer 2019 between PHL and Dubrovnik, Croatia, Berlin, Germany and Bologna, Italy.slow the spread of COVID-19 cannot be estimated.
As of December 31, 2018,2021, we operated 956865 mainline aircraft supported by our regional airline subsidiaries and third-party regional carriers, which together operated an additional 595567 regional aircraft. See Part I, Item 2. Properties for further discussion onof our mainline and regional aircraft and “Regional” below for further discussion onof our regional operations.
American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 1,000 destinations with approximately 14,250 daily flights Alliance, which brings together a global network of 14 world-class member airlines and their affiliates, working together to over 150 countries.provide a superior and seamless travel experience. SeeDistribution and Marketing Agreements below for further discussion on the oneworld allianceAlliance and other agreements with domestic and international airlines.
See Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –2018 2021 Financial Overview,,” “AAG’s Results of Operations” and “American’s Results of Operations” for further discussion of AAG’s and American’s operating results and operating performance. Also, see Note 141(l) to each of AAG’s and American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Items 8A and 8B, respectively, for passenger revenue by geographic region and Note 13 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 12 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for information regarding operating segments and see Note 1(k) to AAG’s and American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Items 8A and 8B, respectively, for passenger revenue by geographic region.segments.
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Regional
Our regional carriers provide scheduled air transportation under the brand name “American Eagle.” The American Eagle carriers include our wholly-owned regional carriers Envoy Air Inc. (Envoy), PSA and Piedmont, as well as third-party regional carriers including Republic AirlineAirways Inc. (Republic), SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (SkyWest), and Mesa Airlines, Inc. (Mesa), Compass Airlines, LLC (Compass) and SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (SkyWest). In addition, Air Wisconsin Corporation (Air Wisconsin), Trans States Airlines, Inc. (Trans States) and ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. (ExpressJet) operated regional jet aircraft for us during 2018; however these arrangements ended in February 2018, December 2018 and January 2019, respectively. Our regional carriers are an integral component of our operating network. We rely heavily on regional carriers to drive feeder traffic to our hubs from low-density markets that are not economical for us to serve with larger, mainline aircraft. In addition, regional carriers offer complementary service in many of our existing mainline markets. During 2018, approximately 56All American Eagle carriers use logos, service marks, aircraft paint schemes and uniforms similar to those of our mainline operations. In 2021, 49 million passengers boarded our regional carriers’ planes, approximately 44% of whom connected to or from our mainline flights. Of these passengers, approximately 31 million were enplaned by our wholly-owned regional carriers and approximately 25 million were enplaned by third-party regional carriers. All American Eagle carriers use logos, service marks, aircraft paint schemes and uniforms similar to our mainline operations.
Substantially all of our regional carrier arrangements are in the form of capacity purchase agreements. The capacity purchase agreements provide that all revenues, including passenger, in-flight, ancillary, mail and freight revenues, go to us. We control marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories. In return, we agree to pay predetermined fees to


these airlines for operating an agreed-upon number of aircraft, without regard to the number of passengers on board. In addition, these agreements provide that we either reimburse or pay 100% of certain variable costs, such as airport landing fees, fuel and passenger liability insurance.
Cargo
Our cargo division provides a wide range of freight and mail services, with facilities and interline connections available across the globe. In 2020, we expanded our cargo service and launched our first cargo-only flights since 1984 to transport critical goods, including COVID-19 vaccines, between the U.S. and Europe, Asia and Latin America. Since March 2020, we have operated more than 10,000 cargo-only flights serving approximately 30 destinations. These cargo-only flights have helped our customers move more than 350 million pounds of critical goods around the world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the related pandemic-driven supply chain challenges.
Distribution and Marketing Agreements
Passengers can purchase tickets for travel on American through several distribution channels, including our website (www.aa.com), our mobile app, our reservations centers and third-party distribution channels, including those provided by or through global distribution systems (e.g., Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport), conventional travel agents, travel management companies and online travel agents (e.g., Expedia, including its booking sites Orbitz and Travelocity, and The Priceline Group)Booking Holdings, including its booking sites Kayak and Priceline). To remain competitive, we will need to successfully manage our distribution costs and rights effectively, increase our distribution flexibility and improve the functionality of our proprietary and third-party distribution channels, while maintaining an industry-competitive cost structure. For more discussion, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “We rely on third-party distribution channels and must manage effectively the costs, rights and functionality of these channels.”
In general, beyond nonstop city pairs, carriers that have the greatest ability to seamlessly connect passengers to and from markets have a competitive advantage. In some cases, however, foreign governments limit U.S. air carriers’ rights to transport passengers beyond designated gateway cities in foreign countries. In order to improve access to domestic and foreign markets, we have arrangements with other airlines including through the oneworld alliance,Alliance, other cooperation agreements, joint business agreements (JBAs), and marketing relationships, as further discussed below.
Member of oneworld Alliance
American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance,Alliance, which currently includes Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines Group, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways (Qantas), Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, S7 Airlines and SriLankan Airlines. Fiji Airways is a oneworld connect partner. The oneworld allianceAlliance links the networks of the member carriers and their respective affiliates to enhance customer service and provide smooth connections to the destinations served by the alliance, including linking themember carriers’ loyalty programs and providing reciprocal access to the carriers’ airport lounge facilities.
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Cooperation and Joint Business Agreements
American has established a transatlantic JBAjoint business with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Finnair, and separately, a transpacific JBAjoint business with Japan Airlines and a joint business relating to Australia and New Zealand with Qantas, each of which has been granted antitrust immunity. Joint business agreements enable the carriers party to the relevant agreementinvolved to cooperate on flights between particular destinations and allow pooling and sharing of certain revenues and costs, enhanced loyalty program reciprocity and cooperation in other areas. Accordingly, American and its joint business partners received regulatory approval to enter into these JBAs and cooperation agreements. Joint business agreements have become a common approachesapproach among major carriers to address key regulatory restrictions typically applicable to international airline service, including limitations on the foreign ownership of airlines and national laws prohibiting foreign airlines from carrying passengers beyond specific gateway cities. Our competitors, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, are party to similar arrangements.
In October 2017, American and its transatlantic partners executed an amended and restated JBA which, among other things, extends the term of the agreement. An application is pending with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to add Aer Lingus, which is now owned by the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, toThe business relationship under the transatlantic JBA.
The transatlantic joint business relationship benefits from a grant of antitrust immunity from the DOTU.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and was reviewed by the European Commission (EC) in July 2010. In connection with this review, we provided certain commitments to the EC regarding, among other things, the availability of take-off and landing slots at London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW) airports. The commitments accepted by the EC arewere binding for 10 years with the possibility of renewal by the EC. However,years. In October 2018, in lightanticipation of the impending exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU) (Brexit), commonly referred to as Brexit, and the related possibility thatexpiry of the EC would no longer have regulatory responsibility for the United Kingdom when the commitments expire in July 2020, the United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in October 2018 opened an investigation into the transatlantic JBA.joint business. We are cooperatingcontinue to fully cooperate with the CMA.
We have also signed a JBA with Qantas AirwaysCMA and, in 2015 appliedSeptember 2020, the CMA adopted interim measures that effectively extend the EC commitments for antitrust immunity withan additional three years until March 2024 in light of the DOT for the revised relationship, but we withdrew that application in November 2016 after it was tentatively denieduncertainty created by the DOT. In February 2018, we filed a new application for antitrust immunity withCOVID-19 pandemic. The CMA plans to complete its investigation before the DOT, which, if granted, would allow us to further expand our


relationship with Qantas Airways. This JBA has been approved by the competition law regulators in Australia and New Zealand.
In addition, we have signed JBAs with certain air carriers of the LATAM Airlines Group, which JBAs have been approved in all jurisdictions other than the United States, where approval is pending. Most recently, in November 2018, the Court of Free Competition in Chile approved the JBA between American and LATAM Airlines Group with respect to both our passenger and cargo businesses. That decision has been appealed to the Chilean Supreme Court.
In November 2018, we announced that we are taking steps to strengthen our partnership with China Southern Airlines Company Limited (China Southern Airlines), in which we presently hold a 2.2% equity interest, with a significant expansion of codeshare cooperation and the launch of reciprocal loyalty program benefits and lounge access.interim measures expire.
Marketing Relationships
To improve access to each other’s markets, various U.S. and foreign air carriers, including American, have established marketing agreements with other airlines. These marketing agreements generally provide enhanced customer choice by means of an expanded network with reciprocal loyalty program participation and joint sales cooperation. As of December 31, 2021, American currently hashad codeshare and/or loyalty program relationships with Aer Lingus, Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cape Air, Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines Company Limited (China Southern Airlines), EL AL Israel Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, Finnair, GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (GOL), Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Interjet,IndiGo, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Group (includes JetstarJetBlue Airways and Jetstar Japan), Korean Air, LATAM (includes LATAM Airlines, LATAM Argentina, LATAM Brasil, LATAM Peru, LATAM Colombia and LATAM Ecuador)Corporation (JetBlue), Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, S7 Airlines, SeaborneSilver Airways, SriLankan Airlines and SriLankanVueling Airlines.
In 2021, we began implementing key aspects of our marketing relationship with JetBlue, creating seamless connectivity for travelers in the U.S. Northeast and more choice for customers across our complementary domestic and international networks. This arrangement includes an alliance agreement with reciprocal codesharing on certain domestic and international routes from New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and provides for reciprocal loyalty program benefits. The arrangement does not include JetBlue’s transatlantic flying. Pursuant to federal law, American and JetBlue submitted this proposed alliance arrangement to the DOT for review. After American, JetBlue and the DOT agreed to a series of commitments, the DOT terminated its review of the proposed alliance in January 2021. The commitments include growth commitments to ensure capacity expansion, slot divestitures at JFK and at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C. and antitrust compliance measures. Beyond this agreement with the DOT (the DOT Agreement), American and JetBlue will also refrain from certain kinds of coordination on certain city pair markets. Upon the DOT’s termination of its review of the proposed alliance, American and JetBlue implemented the proposed alliance subject to these commitments. On September 21, 2021, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), joined by Attorneys General from six states and the District of Columbia, filed an antitrust complaint against American and JetBlue alleging that American and JetBlue violated U.S. antitrust laws in connection with the Northeast Alliance arrangement (the NEA). We believe the complaint is without merit and intend to defend against it vigorously.
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Also, in 2021, we entered into a letter of intent to establish a partnership with JetSmart Airlines SpA (JetSMART), an ultra-low-cost carrier operating from Chile and Argentina to destinations throughout South America. This proposed arrangement includes a codeshare agreement between the two airlines, which would create more options for customers traveling between the U.S. and South America and enable customers to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles on JetSMART flights. We also entered into a letter of intent to deepen our partnership with GOL, Brazil’s largest airline, in September 2021, and in February 2022, entered into a definitive investment agreement with GOL pursuant to which we intend to invest $200 million in exchange for a 5.2% economic interest in GOL. This expanded partnership with GOL includes an exclusive codeshare agreement, allowing customers access to more than 30 destinations served by American in the U.S. and more than 20 new destinations served by GOL in South America. Members of GOL’s SMILES and American’s AAdvantage loyalty programs will also benefit from a deeper SMILES and AAdvantage loyalty program partnership. In addition, the expanded partnership with GOL will allow further commercial cooperation in areas such as purchasing, sales tools and systems integrations, as allowed by regulatory and contractual limitations. Both the JetSMART and GOL transactions are subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions, certain regulatory approvals and, in the case of the JetSMART transaction, the completion of definitive documentation.
Loyalty Program
Our loyalty program, AAdvantage®, was established to develop passenger loyalty by offering benefits and awards to travelers for their continued patronage. AAdvantage was named Best Elite Program in the Americas for the seventh consecutive year in that category at the 2018 Freddie Awards, which are annual awards that recognize the world’s most outstanding frequent travel programs.patronage with American and our partners. AAdvantage members earn mileage credits byfor flying on American, any oneworld Alliance airline or other partner airlines, or by using the services of over 1,000 program participants, such as the Citi and Barclaycard US co-branded credit cards, hotels and car rental companies.airlines. For every dollar spent non-statusby flying on American, members earn five mileage credits, butand Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum status holders earn additional bonus mileage credits of seven, eight, nine40%, 60%, 80% and eleven120%, respectively. Members also earn mileage credits respectively.by using the services of more than 1,000 non-flight partners, such as our co-branded credit cards, and certain hotels and car rental companies. The AAdvantage program in general, and our co-branded credit cards in particular, are significant assets of our business and have become increasingly important to our company over time.
All travel on eligible tickets counts toward qualification for elite status in the AAdvantage program. Mileage credits can be redeemed for free or upgraded travel on American and participating airlines, membership to our Admirals Club® or for other non-travelnon-flight awards from our program participants.partners. Most travel awards are subject to capacity-controlled seating. A member’s mileage credit doescredits generally do not expire as long asif that member has any type of qualifying activity at least once every 18 months. EliteIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended the expiration of mileage credits through March 31, 2022 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets. Status members can enjoy additional travel benefits of the AAdvantage program, including complimentary upgrades, checked bags, and Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats, as well as priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage delivery.delivery when traveling on American or any oneworld Alliance airline. In 2021, we announced a redesign of status qualifying metrics. Starting in 2022, AAdvantage members will have more pathways to status and only one metric to track: Loyalty Points, which can be earned through a variety of qualifying travel and non-travel activities, including use of our co-branded credit cards. Additionally, our members earn bonus mileage credits when elite2020 AAdvantage status is obtained.was extended through March 31, 2022 for all members.
Under our agreements with AAdvantage members and program partners, we reserve the right to change the terms of the AAdvantage program at any time and without notice, and may end the program with six months’ notice. Program rules, partners, special offers, awards and requisite mileage levels for awards are subject to change.
During 2018,2021, our members redeemed approximately 1311 million awards, including travel redemptions for flights and upgrades on American and other air carriers, as well as redemption of car and hotel awards, club memberships and merchandise. Approximately 7.6%7% of our 20182021 total revenue passenger miles flown were from award travel.
See Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” for more information on our loyalty program.
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Industry Competition
Domestic
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. On most of our domestic nonstop routes, we currently face competing service from other domestic airlines, including major network airlines, low-cost carriers and ultra-low-cost carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines. Competition is even greater betweenBetween cities that require a connection, where the major airlines compete via their respective hubs.hubs, competition is significant. In addition, we face competition on some of our connecting routes from airlines


operating point-to-point service on such routes. We also compete with all-cargo and charter airlines and, particularly on shorter segments, ground and rail transportation.
On all of our routes, pricing decisions are affected, in large part, by the need to meet competition from other airlines. Price competition occurs on a market-by-market basis through price discounts, changes in pricing structures, fare matching, targeted promotions and loyalty program initiatives. Airlines typically use discountdiscounted fares and other promotions to stimulate traffic during normally slackweak travel periods, when they begin service to new cities, or when they have excess capacity, to generate cash flow, to maximize revenue per available seat mile andor to establish, increase or preserve market share. WeMost airlines will quickly match price reductions in a particular market, and we have often elected to match discountdiscounted or promotional fares initiated by other air carriers in certain markets in order to compete in those markets. Most airlines will quickly match price reductions in a particular market. In addition, low-fare, low-cost carriers, such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways, andwe face pricing pressures from so-called ultra-low-cost carriers, such as Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines, which compete in many of the markets in which we operate, andwith competition from these carriers is increasing.increasing and new entrants regularly announcing their intention to start up new ultra-low-cost carriers.
In addition to price competition, airlines compete for market share by increasing the size of their route system and the number of markets they serve. The American Eagle regional carriers increase the number of markets we serve by flying to lower demandsmaller markets and providing connections at our hubs. Many of our competitors also own or have agreements with regional airlines that provide similar services at their hubs and other locations. We also compete on the basis of scheduling (frequency and flight times), availability of nonstop flights, on-time performance, type of equipment, cabin configuration, amenities provided to passengers, loyalty programs, the automation of travel agent reservation systems, onboard products, markets servedhealth and safety and other services.
International
In addition to our extensive domestic service, we provide international service to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, Europe, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. In 2022, we will launch service to Doha, Qatar, allowing customers to access destinations in the Middle East and the surrounding regions. In providing international air transportation, we compete with other U.S. airlines, foreign investor-owned airlines and foreign state-owned or state-affiliated airlines. Competition isBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, competition had been increasing from foreign state-owned and state-affiliated airlines in the Gulf region including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. These carriers have large numbers of international widebody aircraft in service and on order and arehad been increasing service to the U.S. from locations both in and outside the Middle East. Service to and from locations outside of the Middle East iswas provided by some of these carriers under so-called “fifth freedom” rights permitted under international treaties which allow service to and from stopover points between an airline’s home country and the ultimate destination. Such flights, such as a stopover in Europe on flights to the United States, allow the carrier to sell tickets for travel between the stopover point and the United States in competition with service provided by us. Additionally, these carriers have made significant investments in a number of airlines located outside of the Middle East, such as Air Italy, providing these affiliated airlines with capital and aircraft to permit increases in service that compete with us. We believe these state-owned and state-affiliated carriers in the Gulf region, including their affiliated carriers, benefit from significant government subsidies, which have allowed them to grow quickly, reinvest in their product and expand their global presence. We expect this to continue after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. Competition ishad also been increasing from low-cost airlines executing international long-haul expansion strategies, including, for example, Icelandair, Norwegian Air Shuttlea trend we also expect to continue after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and Wow Air.the delivery of planned, long-range narrowbody aircraft commences.
In order to increase our ability to compete in the market for international air transportation service, which is subject to extensive government regulation, U.S. and foreign carriers have entered into bilateral and multilateral marketing relationships, alliances, cooperation agreements and JBAsjoint business agreements to exchange traffic among each other’s flights and route networks. See “Distribution and Marketing Agreements” above for further discussion.
Employees and Labor Relations
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Our People
The airline business is labor intensive. intensive, and our team members are our most important asset. The operational complexity of our business requires a diverse team of personnel trained and experienced in a variety of technical areas such as flight operations, ground operations, safety and maintenance, customer service, and airline scheduling and planning. We believe that if we create an environment where our team members feel supported, they will take care of our customers and thereby support the success of our business. To do this, we must continue to build a diverse and inclusive environment, helping all team members reach their full potential and providing them with the right resources and support.
Talent Development
We give our team members the tools, training and resources they need to do their best work. We have a suite of programs aimed at helping our people develop the skills and experience to succeed in their roles and build rewarding, long-term careers within our company. Additionally, we’ve partnered with leading online learning platforms to make professional development available on-demand to all our team members.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Cultivating an environment that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a top priority for us, and we seek to create a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged, where team members feel comfortable to be their authentic selves and where we are always learning from one another. Our DEI goals include:
diversifying our leadership team by establishing specific objectives and laying out a plan to achieve them, including enhancing our recruiting, development and mentoring programs;
providing additional learning opportunities beyond implicit bias training to generate further education and awareness of diversity and inclusion matters; and
pledging to assist Black youth in developing job skills and expanding access to well-paying careers as part of our overall strategy to increase opportunities in our hub cities and Tulsa, Oklahoma, where our largest maintenance facility is based.
In 2018,2021, we continued to take steps towards achieving these goals. We:
increased Black representation at the directors and above level by approximately 80%, exceeding our goal of a 50% increase set at the beginning of 2021;
announced a second round of the Executive Sponsorship Program, first launched in September 2020, whereby a group of Black leaders have been paired with an executive leader for a year-long mentorship program;
launched an inclusive workplace DEI training completed by more than 90,000 team members;
introduced the Inclusion Education Series, a new web-based training series designed to help each team member become an upstander, with the first course focusing on how team members can recognize when something is wrong, act to make it right and better understand microaggressions;
started using HiredScore, a hiring technology platform designed to ensure accountability and mitigate potential hiring bias;
partnered with McKinsey & Company to offer select team members access to its Leadership Academies; and
became one of six companies to receive Fair Pay Workplace’s inaugural pay equity certification for our management and support staff team to ensure equitable pay regardless of gender or race and approximately 86% of our team members are represented by unions and already have built-in pay equity. This certification will require us to undergo regular check-ins for progress to build upon fair pay practices.
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Competitive Pay and Comprehensive Benefits
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and a wide variety of resources designed to support the physical, behavioral and financial well-being of our team members and their families. We’re committed to providing medical coverage that is both affordable and flexible along with health care navigation and support tools. Additionally, during the pandemic, we offered COVID-19 testing, paid pandemic leave, and vaccinations to support our team members and ensure the continuity of our operation.
Our internal recognition programs give team members and customers the opportunity to show their appreciation for a job well done, including through our Nonstop Thanks program whereby team members can award each other points for a job well done or as an expression of gratitude. Recognition points earned through the recognition program can be redeemed for items in an online catalog. In 2021, our team members were recognized by customers, peers and company leaders approximately 2 million times and hundreds of team members were nominated for the annual Chairman’s Award, the highest honor that we bestow upon our team members.
Our future success depends in large part on our ability to attract, develop and retain highly qualified management, technical and other personnel. For more discussion, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “The loss of key personnel upon whom we depend to operate our business or the inability to attract and develop additional qualified personnel could adversely affect our business.”
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our Team Members
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decline in demand for our services. We have taken aggressive actions since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate its effects on our business, including capacity reductions, structural changes to our fleet, cost reductions including implementing voluntary leave and early retirement programs, and steps to preserve cash and improve our overall liquidity position, consistent with the terms of the financial assistance we have received from the U.S. Government under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Subtitle A of Title IV of Division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PSP Extension Law) and Section 7301 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the ARP).
Pursuant to the Payroll Support Program Agreement (PSP1 Agreement), the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury), provided us with an aggregate of $6.0 billion of financial assistance in 2020. In addition, pursuant to the Payroll Support Program Extension Agreement (PSP2 Agreement) and the Payroll Support Program 3 Agreement (PSP3 Agreement), Treasury provided us financial assistance in aggregate of approximately $3.5 billion and $3.3 billion, respectively, in 2021. Using these funds, we were able to continue payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits until demand for air travel sufficiently recovered.
Retaining and recruiting people with the appropriate skills is particularly challenging as the economy in general, and the airline industry in particular, continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in competition for the human resources necessary to operate our business successfully. Like many other airlines, we have experienced and continue to experience periodic shortages of frontline team members as a result of, among other things, demand for domestic travel returning more quickly than anticipated and higher than normal team member absences due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In advance of the 2021 winter holiday season, one of our busiest travel periods, we offered a holiday incentive pay program intended to encourage attendance and to recognize our team members for their extraordinary efforts during this difficult time. For more discussion on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, including the impact on our people, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “The outbreak and global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel which has adversely impacted our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity. The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and similar public health threats that we may face in the future, could result in additional adverse effects on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity.”
Labor Relations
In 2021, salaries, wages and benefits were our largest expense and represented approximately 33%43% of our total operating expenses. As of December 31, 2018,2021, we had approximately 128,900123,400 active full-time equivalent employees, approximately 84%86% of whom were represented by various labor unions responsible for negotiating the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) covering them.governing their compensation and job duties, among other things.
Labor relations in the air transportation industry are regulated under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), which vests in the National Mediation Board (NMB) certain functions with respect to disputes between airlines and labor unions relating to
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union representation and CBAs. When an RLA CBA becomes amendable, if either party to the agreement wishes to modify its terms, it must notify the other party in the manner prescribed under the RLA and as agreed by the parties. Under the RLA, the parties must meet for direct negotiations, and, if no agreement is reached during direct negotiations between the parties, either party may request that the NMB appoint a federal mediator. The RLA prescribes no timetable for the direct negotiation and mediation processes, and it is not unusual for those processes to last for many months or even several years. If no agreement is reached in mediation, the NMB in its discretion may declare that an impasse exists and proffer binding arbitration to the parties. Either party may decline to submit to arbitration and if arbitration is rejected by either party, a 30-day “cooling


off” period commences. During or after that period, a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) may be established, which examines the parties’ positions and recommends a solution. The PEB process lasts for 30 days and is followed by another 30-day “cooling off” period. At the end of this “cooling off” period, unless an agreement is reached or action is taken by Congress, the labor organization may exercise “self-help,” such as a strike, and the airline may resort to its own “self-help,” including the imposition of any or all of its proposed amendments to the CBA and the hiring of new employees to replace any striking workers.
None of the unions representing our employees presently may lawfully engage in concerted slowdowns or refusals to work, such as strikes, sick-outs or other similar activity, against us. Nonetheless, there is a risk that disgruntled employees, either with or without union involvement, could engage in one or more concerted refusals to work that could individually or collectively harm the operation of our airline and impair our financial performance.
The following table shows our domestic airline employee groups that are represented by unions:
UnionClass or Craft
Employees (1)
Contract
Amendable Date
Mainline:
Allied Pilots Association (APA)Pilots12,700 2020
Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA)Flight Attendants22,000 2019
Airline Customer Service Employee Association – Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Teamsters (CWA-IBT)Passenger Service13,800 2020
Transport Workers Union and International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (TWU-IAM Association)Mechanics and Related11,550 2025
TWU-IAM AssociationFleet Service17,400 2025
TWU-IAM AssociationStock Clerks1,750 2025
TWU-IAM AssociationFlight Simulator Engineers130 2021
TWU-IAM AssociationMaintenance Control Technicians170 2025
TWU-IAM AssociationMaintenance Training Instructors90 2025
Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA)Dispatchers450 2021
Transport Workers Union (TWU)Flight Crew Training Instructors320 2021
Envoy:
Air Line Pilots Associations (ALPA)Pilots2,100 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA)Flight Attendants1,450 2026
TWUGround School Instructors10 2023
TWUMechanics and Related1,200 2020
TWUStock Clerks120 2020
TWUSimulator Instructors20 2026
TWUFleet Service3,400 2026
TWUDispatchers70 2025
Communications Workers of America (CWA)Passenger Service5,550 2026
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Union Class or Craft 
Employees (1)
 Contract
Amendable Date
Mainline:      
Allied Pilots Association (APA) Pilots 13,600
 2020
Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) Flight Attendants 24,800
 2019
Airline Customer Service Employee Association – Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Teamsters (CWA-IBT) Passenger Service 15,050
 2020
Transport Workers Union and International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (TWU-IAM Association) Mechanics and Related 12,450
 2018
TWU-IAM Association Fleet Service 16,800
 2018
TWU-IAM Association Stock Clerks 1,900
 2018
TWU-IAM Association Flight Simulator Engineers 150
 2021
TWU-IAM Association Maintenance Control Technicians 200
 2018
TWU-IAM Association Maintenance Training Instructors 50
 2018
Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA) Dispatchers 400
 2021
Transport Workers Union (TWU) Flight Crew Training Instructors 300
 2021
Envoy:      
Air Line Pilots Associations (ALPA) Pilots 2,300
 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) Flight Attendants 1,400
 2020
TWU Ground School Instructors 10
 2019
TWU Mechanics and Related 1,350
 2020
TWU Stock Clerks 150
 2020
TWU Fleet Service Clerks 3,700
 2019
TWU Dispatchers 70
 2019
Communications Workers of America (CWA) Passenger Service 4,800
 Tentative Initial
Agreement Reached


Union Class or Craft 
Employees (1)
 Contract
Amendable Date
UnionClass or Craft
Employees (1)
Contract
Amendable Date
Piedmont:   Piedmont:
ALPA Pilots 630
 2024ALPAPilots600 2024
AFA Flight Attendants 300
 2019AFAFlight Attendants300 2019
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Mechanics 375
 2021International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)Mechanics and Related350 2021
IBT Stock Clerks 60
 2021IBTStock Clerks50 2021
CWA Fleet and Passenger Service 3,650
 2023CWAFleet and Passenger Service5,700 2023
IBT Dispatchers 30
 2019IBTDispatchers30 2024
ALPA Flight Crew Training Instructors 40
 2024ALPAFlight Crew Training Instructors30 2024
PSA:   PSA:
ALPA Pilots 1,650
 2023ALPAPilots1,750 2023
AFA Flight Attendants 1,250
 2017AFAFlight Attendants1,250 2023
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) Mechanics 470
 2022International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM)Mechanics and Related800 2022
TWU Dispatchers 60
 2022TWUDispatchers50 2024
(1)Represents approximate number of active employees as well as employees who opted for a voluntary partially paid leave as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as of December 31, 2021.
(1)
Approximate number of active full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2018.
Joint collective bargaining agreements (JCBAs) have been reached with post-Merger employee groups, except for contracts with the TWU-IAM Association which represents the maintenance, fleetcovering our mainline pilots, flight attendants, passenger service, stock clerks, maintenance control techniciansflight simulator engineers and maintenancedispatchers are now amendable. In January 2022, our mainline flight crew training instructors whose contracts becameratified a three-year agreement which is now amendable in the third quarter of 2018. Negotiations designed to reach JCBAs involving all of these workgroups continue. Additionally, the post-Merger JCBAs covering our pilots and flight attendants, while not yet amendable, provide the unions with the right to elect to commence negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements in advance of each JCBA’s amendable date. Both of the unions have exercised these rights and negotiations are underway for new agreements.
2025. Among our wholly-owned regional subsidiaries, the PSAEnvoy mechanics and related, Envoy stock clerks, Piedmont flight attendants, Piedmont mechanics and related and Piedmont stock clerks have an agreementagreements that isare now amendable and are engaged in traditional RLA negotiations. In January 2019,2022, the Envoy passenger service employeesPiedmont flight attendants reached a tentative seven-year laborfour-year agreement subject to membership ratification.
For more discussion, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “Union disputes, employee strikes and other labor-related disruptions, or our inability to otherwise maintain labor costs at competitive levels may adversely affect our operations and financial performance.”
Aircraft Fuel
Our operations and financial results are significantlymaterially affected by the availability and price of jetaircraft fuel, which isrepresents one of the largest single cost items in our second largest expense.business. Based on our 20192022 forecasted mainline and regional fuel consumption, we estimate that a one cent per gallon increase in aviationthe price of aircraft fuel price would increase our 20192022 annual fuel expense by $45approximately $40 million.
The following table shows annual aircraft fuel consumption and costs, including taxes, for our mainline and regional operations for 2018, 20172021 and 20162020 (gallons and aircraft fuel expense in millions).
YearGallons 
Average  Price
per Gallon
 
Aircraft  Fuel
Expense
 
Percent of Total
Operating Expenses
20184,447 $2.23 $9,896 23.6%
20174,352   1.73   7,510 19.6%
20164,347   1.42   6,180 17.6%
YearGallonsAverage Price
per Gallon
Aircraft Fuel
Expense
Percent of Total
Operating Expenses
20213,324$2.04$6,79222.0%
20202,297$1.48$3,40212.3%
As of December 31, 2018,2021, we did not have any fuel hedging contracts outstanding to hedge our fuel consumption. As such, and assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, we will continue to be fully


exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. Our current policy is not to enter into transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, although we review that policy from time to time based on market conditions and other factors. As such, and assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, we will continue to be fully exposed to fluctuations in aircraft fuel prices.
FuelAircraft fuel prices have fluctuated substantially overin the past, several years.and may in the future, experience substantial volatility. We cannot predict the future availability, price volatility or cost of aircraft fuel. Natural disasters (including hurricanes or similar events in the U.S. Southeast and on the Gulf Coast where a significant portion of domestic refining capacity is located), political disruptions or wars involving oil-producing countries, economic sanctions imposed against oil-producing countries or specific industry participants, changes in fuel-related governmental policy, the strength of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, changes in the cost to transport or store petroleum products, changes in access to petroleum product pipelines and terminals, speculation in the energy futures markets, changes in aircraft fuel production capacity, environmental concerns and other unpredictable events may result in fuel supply shortages, distribution challenges, additional fuel price volatility and cost increases in the future. SeeFor more discussion, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “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.”
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Seasonality and Other Factors
Due to the greater demand for air travel during the summer months, revenues in the airline industry in the second and third quarters of the year tend to be greater than revenues in the first and fourth quarters of the year. General economic conditions, fears of terrorism or war, fare initiatives, fluctuations in fuel prices, labor actions, weather, natural disasters, outbreaks of disease and other factors could impact this seasonal pattern. Therefore, our quarterly results of operations are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year, and historical operating results in a quarterly or annual period are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
The COVID-19 outbreak, along with the measures governments and private organizations worldwide have implemented in an attempt to contain the spread of this pandemic, has resulted in a decline in demand for air travel, which has adversely affected our business, operations and financial condition to an unprecedented extent, and affected the traditional seasonal trends of the airline business. Measures ranging from travel restrictions, including testing regimes, “stay at home” and quarantine orders, limitations on public gatherings to cancellation of public events and many others have resulted in a decline in demand for travel.
Domestic and Global Regulatory Landscape
General
Airlines are subject to extensive domestic and international regulatory requirements. Domestically, the DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exercise significant regulatory authority over air carriers.
The DOT, among other things, oversees and regulates domestic and international codeshare agreements, international route authorities, competition and consumer protection matters such asincluding, among other things, accessibility, advertising denied boarding compensation and baggage liability.fee display, and refund practices. The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ),DOJ, along with the DOT in certain instances, have jurisdiction over airline antitrust matters.
The FAA similarly exercises safety oversight and regulates most operational matters of our business, including how we operate and maintain our aircraft. FAA requirements cover, among other things, required technology and necessary onboard equipment; systems, procedures and training necessary to ensure the continuous airworthiness of our fleet of aircraft; safety measures and equipment; crew scheduling limitations and experience requirements; and many other technical aspects of airline operations. Additionally, our pilots and other employees are subject to rigorous certification standards, and our pilots and other crew members must adhere to flight time and rest requirements.
The FAA also controls the national airspace system, including operational rules and fees for air traffic control (ATC) services. The efficiency, reliability and capacity of the ATC network has a significant impact on our costs and on the timeliness of our operations.
The U.S. Postal Service has jurisdiction over certain aspects of the transportation of mail and related services.
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Airport Access and Operations
Domestically, any U.S. airline authorized by the DOT is generally free to operate scheduled passenger service between any two points within the U.S. and its territories, with the exception of certain airports that require landing and take-off rights and authorizations (slots) and other facilities, and certain airports that impose geographic limitations on operations or curtail operations based on the time of day. Operations at three major domestic airports we serve (John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)(JFK and La Guardia Airport (LGA)LGA in New York City, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) inDCA near Washington, D.C.) and many foreign airports we serve (including LHR) are regulated by governmental entities through allocations of slots or similar regulatory mechanisms that limit the rights of carriers to conduct operations at those airports. Each slot represents the authorization to land at or take off from the particular airport during a specified time period. In addition to slot restrictions, operations at LGADCA and DCALGA are also limited based on a so-called “perimeter rule” which generally limits the stage length of the flights that can be operated from those airports to 1,5001,250 and 1,2501,500 miles, respectively.


Generally, our ability to retain slots is conditioned on the continued use of such slots, and in the absence of use, the slots are subject to forfeiture. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and through the Winter 2021-2022 season, global regulators have offered varying levels of slot utilization requirement waivers. In some jurisdictions, we have used these waivers at times to reduce flying levels given limited demand for travel. We cannot guarantee that such waivers will remain available to us, or that upon expiration or cancellation of such waivers it will be economical for us to resume prior levels of flying to destinations where we currently operate a reduced service. If we are forced to surrender slots, we may be unable to provide our desired level of service to or from certain destinations in the future. For more discussion, see Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors – “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, which may have a material adverse impact on our operations.”
Our ability to provide service can also be impaired at airports, such as ORD in Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where the airport gate and other facilities are currently inadequate to accommodate all of the service that we would like to provide.provide, or airports such as Dallas Love Field Airport where we have no access to gates at all.
Existing law also permits domestic local airport authorities to implement procedures and impose restrictions designed to abate noise, provided such procedures and restrictions do not unreasonably interfere with interstate or foreign commerce or the national transportation system. In some instances, these restrictions have caused curtailments in service or increases in operating costs.
Airline Fares, Taxes and User Fees
Airlines are permitted to establish their own domestic fares without governmental regulation. The DOT maintains authority over certain international fares, rates and charges, but only applies this authority on a limited basis. In addition, international fares and rates are sometimes subject to the jurisdiction of the governments of the foreign countries which we serve.
Airlines are obligated to collect a federal excise tax, commonly referred to as the “ticket tax,” on domestic and international air transportation, and to collect other taxes and charge other fees, such as foreign taxes, security fees and passenger facility charges. Although these taxes and fees are not our operating expenses, they represent an additional cost to our customers. These taxes and fees are subject to increase from time to time.
DOT Passenger Protection Rules
The DOT regulates airline interactions with passengers through the ticketing process, at the airport and on board the aircraft. Among other things, these regulations govern how our fares are displayed online, required customer disclosures, access by disabled passengers, handling of long onboard flight delays and reporting of mishandled bags. In addition,2022, the DOT is likelyexpected to issuepropose or implement a regulation in 2019number of new regulations that would require air carriers towill impact us, including disability rules for accessible lavatories and wheelchair assistance, refund requirements, display of ancillary fees during initial flights search, and refunds for checked bag fees in the event of certain delays in delivery.
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International
International air transportation is subject to extensive government regulation, including aviation agreements between the U.S. and other countries or governmental authorities, such as the EU.EU and the United Kingdom. Moreover, our alliances with international carriers may be subject to the jurisdiction and regulations of various foreign agencies. The U.S. government has negotiated “open skies” agreements with over 120 countries,130 trading partners, which allow unrestricted route authority access between the U.S. and the foreign markets. While the U.S. has worked to increase the number of countries with which open skies agreements are in effect, a number of markets important to us, including China, do not have open skies agreements.
In addition, foreign countries impose passenger protection rules, which are analogous to, and often meet or exceed the requirements of, the DOT passenger protection rules discussed above. In cases where these foreign requirements exceed the DOT rules, we may bear additional burdens and liabilities. Further, various foreign airport authorities impose noise and curfew restrictions at their local airports.
Security
Since shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, substantially all aspects of civil aviation security in the U.S. or affecting U.S. carriers have been controlled or regulated by the federal government through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Requirements include flight deck security; carriage of federal air marshals at no charge; enhanced security screening of passengers, baggage, cargo, mail, employees and vendors; fingerprint-based background checks of all employees and vendor employees with access to secure areas of airports; and the provision of certain passenger data to the federal government and other international border security authorities, for security and immigration controls. Funding for the TSA is provided by a combination of air carrier fees, passenger fees and taxpayer funds. Customs and Border Protection, which, like the TSA, is part of the Department of Homeland Security, (DHS), also promulgates requirements, performs services and collects fees that impact our provision of services. Additionally, we have at times found it necessary or desirable to make significant expenditures to comply with security-related requirements while seeking to reduce their impact on our customers, such as expenditures for automated security screening lines at airports. Our international service further requires us to comply with the civil aviation security regimes imposed at the foreign airports we serve.


Environmental Matters
Environmental Regulation
The airline industry is subject to various laws and government regulations concerning environmental matters in the U.S. and other countries. U.S. federal laws that have a particular impact on our operations include the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund Act). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal agencies have been authorized to promulgate regulations that have an impact on our operations. In addition to these federal activities, various states have been delegated certain authorities under the aforementioned federal statutes. Many state and local governments have adopted environmental laws and regulations which are similar to or stricter than federal requirements.
Revised underground storage tank regulations issued by the EPA in 2015 have affected certain airport fuel hydrant systems, with modifications of such systems needed in order to comply with applicable portions of the revised regulations. In addition, related to the EPA and state regulations pertaining to stormwaterstorm water management, several U.S. airport authorities are actively engaged in efforts to limit discharges of deicing fluid into the environment, often by requiring airlines to participate in the building or reconfiguring of airport deicing facilities.
The environmental laws to which we are subject include those related to responsibility for potential soil and groundwater contamination. We are conducting investigation and remediation activities to address soil and groundwater conditions at several sites, including airports and maintenance bases. We presently anticipate that the ongoing costs of such activities will not have a material impact on our operations. In addition, we have been named as
We employ an environmental management system that provides a potentially responsible party (PRP) at certain Superfund sites. Our alleged volumetric contributions at such sites are relatively small in comparison to total contributionssystematic approach for compliance with environmental regulations and management of all PRPs. Accordingly, we presently anticipate that any future paymentsa broad range of costs at such sites will not have a material impact on our operations.issues including air emissions, hazardous waste disposal, underground tanks, and aircraft water quality.
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Aircraft Emissions and Climate Change Requirements
Many aspects of our operations are subjectEfforts to increasingly stringent environmental regulationstransition to a low-carbon future have increased the focus by global, regional and concerns aboutnational regulators on climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For example,We recognize that air travel impacts the EU has established the Emissions Trading System (ETS)environment and have committed to regulatedevelop an intermediate, science-based target for reducing GHG emissions by the year 2035 with the goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In addition to investing in the EU. The EU adopted a directivestrategic partnerships in 2008 under which each EU member state is required to extend the ETS to aviation operations. However, the EU ETS has never fully been imposed, in large part due to the globalan effort to moderate international aviation emissions solely through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The EU has extended its stay on the extra-territorial application of the EU ETS as applied to international flights to/from the European Economic Area (EEA) through year-end 2023, contingent on successful implementation of CORSIA. Thereafter, the EU will assess CORSIA implementationhelp develop and decide the future status of the EU ETS as applied to international aviation to/from the EEA. The U.S. enacted legislation in November 2012 intended to encourage an international solution through ICAO, but which also authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to prohibit U.S. airlines from participating in the ETS.
In 2016, ICAO passed a resolution adopting the Carbon Offsettingsupport emissions-reduction solutions and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which is a global, market-based emissions offset program intended to encourage carbon-neutral growth beyond 2020. CORSIA applies to international aviation, and does not directly impact domestic U.S. flights. CORSIA was supported by the board of Airlines for America (the principal U.S. airline trade association, of whichaccelerate clean energy technologies, we are a member), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) (the principal international airline trade association), and by American and many other U.S. and foreign airlines. In March 2017, ICAO also adopted new aircraft certification standards to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft, which will apply to new aircraft type designs commencing in 2020, and to aircraft type designs already in production as of 2023. On June 27, 2018, ICAO adopted standards pertaining to the collection and sharing of information on international aviation emissions beginning in 2019. Airline operators must prepare GHG monitoring plans by February 2019. CORSIA will increase operating costs for American and most other airlines, including other U.S. airlines that operate internationally, but the implementation of a global program, as compared to regional emission reduction schemes, should ensure that resulting increases in operating costs will be more evenly applied to American and its competitors since there will be a common global regulatory regime. CORSIA is expected to be implemented in phases, with information collection and sharing beginning in 2019, a pilot phase beginning in 2021, and the first phase beginning in 2024. Certain details still need to be developed and the impact of CORSIA cannot be fully predicted.
In 2019, the EPA could finalize a rule implementing aircraft engine GHG emission standards developed initially through ICAO. It is anticipated that the EPA rule will closely align with recent ICAO carbon dioxide emission standards. The new standards, which were supported by the airline industry and manufacturers, would apply to new type aircraft certified beginning in 2020, and would be phased in for newly manufactured existing aircraft type designs starting in 2023.


In addition, several states have adopted or are considering initiatives to regulate GHG emissions, primarily through the planned development of GHG emissions inventories, regional GHG cap and trade programs or low carbon fuel programs.
We have taken a number of actions that mitigate the GHG emitted by our GHG emissionsoperations both en route and conserve fuelon the ground, such as:
Retiringretiring older, less fuel-efficient aircraft and replacing them with new, more fuel-efficient aircraft;aircraft, resulting in the youngest mainline fleet of any U.S. network carrier;
Reducingreducing fuel consumption through operational initiatives such as single-engine taxi, optimal planned arrival fuel and our Fuel Smart Program, which is an employee-led effortnew flight planning system;
entering into agreements to safely reduce fuel consumption at American; a similar program is underway to reduce fuel consumption at our regional carriers;purchase sustainable aviation fuel;
Workingworking with the FAA and vendors to facilitate efficient airspace procedures, which also reducesin turn reduce aircraft emissions;
Replacingupdating our fleet with lightweight interiors, including seats and furnishings, and replacing existing cargo containers with lightweightlighter weight versions;
Replacingreplacing older, inefficient ground support equipment with new, more fuel-efficient ground support equipment, including alternative-fuel and electric powered equipment;
Purchasingpurchasing renewable energyelectricity to reduce indirect emissions;emissions associated with the production of the power we consume; and
Seekingobtaining certification of certain of our buildings to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard;standard.
Entering into discussionsAmerican is subject to the requirements of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), an international, market-based emissions reduction program adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2016. CORSIA is intended to achieve carbon-neutral growth in the international aviation sector from 2021 through 2035 by requiring airlines to compensate for the growth in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, relative to a predetermined “baseline,” of a significant majority of international flights through the purchase of carbon offsets or the use of low-carbon fuels. For each year from 2021 through 2029, CORSIA requires each airline to compensate for the rate of growth of the CO2 emissions of the aviation sector as a whole as determined by ICAO. Starting in 2030, CORSIA will require airlines to compensate for growth in CO2 emissions using a formula determined by ICAO that will combine the growth in aviation sector emissions and the growth in the individual airline’s emissions, with potential vendorsthe proportion of the latter rising from at least 20 percent over the period 2030-2032 and to further explore potentialat least 70 percent over the period 2033-2035.
ICAO originally defined the baseline as the average emissions from covered flights in 2019 and 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ICAO decided to remove 2020 emissions from the baseline for the CORSIA “pilot phase” (2021-2023). ICAO is expected to make a decision about the baseline for CORSIA’s “first phase” (2024-2026) by the end of 2022. At this point, it is unclear whether ICAO will decide to continue with the 2019-only emissions baseline for future CORSIA implementation phases; certain environmental groups have advocated for reverting to the original baseline, which would make the CORSIA reduction obligations more stringent and increase the cost of compliance under CORSIA.
Currently, we do not expect to be required to purchase carbon offset credits to comply with CORSIA through 2023, unless the recovery in demand for international travel is unexpectedly strong and exceeds that of 2019 in those years.
Starting in 2024, CORSIA compliance costs are uncertain, primarily because of the difficulty in estimating the return of demand for international air travel in the recovery from the pandemic. There is also significant uncertainty with respect to the future supply and price of carbon offset credits and sustainable or lower carbon aircraft fuels that could allow us to reduce our emissions of CO2. In addition, as described above, we will not directly control our CORSIA compliance costs because our compliance obligations through 2029 are based on the growth in emissions of the global aviation sector and begin to incorporate a factor for individual airline operator emissions growth starting in 2030.
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In January 2021, the EPA adopted GHG emission standards for new aircraft engines, which are aligned with the 2017 ICAO aircraft engine GHG emission standards. Like the ICAO standards, the final EPA standards for new aircraft engines would not apply retroactively to engines already on in-service aircraft. These final standards have been challenged by several states and environmental groups, and the Biden Administration has issued an executive order requiring a review of these final standards. On November 15, 2021, the EPA announced that it will not rewrite the existing aircraft engine GHG emissions standards but will press for ambitious new aircraft GHG emission standards at international negotiations organized by the ICAO in 2022. The outcome of the legal challenge and the development of new aircraft GHG emissions standards cannot be predicted at this time. In addition, on September 9, 2021, the Biden Administration launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge to scale up the production pathways for sustainable alternative jet fuel; and
Cooperating with airports and other stakeholders to accelerate the introduction of sustainable alternative fuelsaviation fuel, aiming to reduce GHG emissions from aviation by 20% by 2030 and to replace all traditional aviation fuel with sustainable aviation fuel by 2050. Whether these goals will be achieved and the potential effects on our business cannot be predicted at this time.
In 2021, the EC proposed legislation that would expand the application of and increase the stringency of the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) to include flights into and out of the Europe Economic Area beginning in 2027 under certain circumstances. Further, the EC is considering the creation of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending mandate for aviation fuel suppliers beginning in 2025, among other requirements. Individual EU member states have been developing their own requirements including, for example, a SAF mandate in France that came into force on January 1, 2022.
All such climate change-related regulatory activity and developments may adversely affect our business and financial results by requiring us to reduce our emissions before cost-effective emissions reduction technologies are available, for example, through requirements to make capital investments to purchase specific types of equipment or technologies, purchase carbon offset credits, or otherwise incur additional costs related to our emissions. Such activity may also impact us indirectly by increasing our operating costs, including fuel costs.
For furthermore information on American’s approach to ESG issues, see our annual Corporate Responsibility2020 ESG Performance Review and 2019-2020 ESG Report available onat our website at www.aa.comwww.aa.com under “Environmental, Social and Governance.” None of the information or contents of our website is2020 ESG Performance Review and 2019-2020 ESG Report are incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Impact of Regulatory Requirements on Our Business
Regulatory requirements, including but not limited to those discussed above, affect operations and increase operating costs for the airline industry, including our airline subsidiaries, and future regulatory developments may continue to do the same in the future. SeeFor additional information, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “Evolving data security and privacy requirements could increase our costs, and any significant data security or privacy 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,” “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, which may have a material adverse impact on our operations,” “Our business is subject to extensive government regulation, which may result in increases in our costs, disruptions to our operations, limits on our operating flexibility, reductions in the demand for air travel, and competitive disadvantages,” “The airline industry is heavily taxed,“We are subject to many forms of environmental and noise regulation and may incur substantial costs as a result”result,” and“We “We are subject to risks associated with climate change, including increased regulation to reduceof our CO2 emissions, changing consumer preferences and the potential increased impacts of greenhouse gases” for additional information.severe weather events on our operations and infrastructure.”
Available Information
Use of Websites to Disclose Information
Our website is located at www.aa.com. We have made and expect in the future to make public disclosures to investors and the general public of information regarding AAG and its subsidiaries by means of the investor relations section of our website as well as through the use of our social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter. In order to receive notifications regarding new postings to our website, investors are encouraged to enroll on our website to receive automatic email alerts (see https://americanairlines.gcs-web.com/email-alerts), “follow” American (@AmericanAir) on Twitter and “like” American on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AmericanAirlines). None of the information or contents of our website or social media postings is incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Availability of SEC Reports
A copy of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.


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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
“2013 Credit Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of May 21, 2015, among American, AAG, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, and certain other parties thereto, as amended.
“2013 Credit Facilities” means the 2013 Revolving Facility and 2013 Term Loan Facility provided for by the 2013 Credit Agreement.
“2013 Framework” means the criteria for internal control over financial reporting as set forth in the Internal Control – Internal Framework by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
“2013 Plan” means the AAG 2013 Incentive Award Plan.
“2013 Revolving Facility” means the revolving credit facility provided for by the 2013 Credit Agreement.
“2013 Term Loan Facility” means the term loan facility provided for under the 2013 Credit Agreement.
“2014 Credit Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2015, among American, AAG, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Citibank N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other parties thereto, as amended.
“2014 Credit Facilities” means the 2014 Revolving Facility and the 2014 Term Loan Facility provided for by the 2014 Credit Agreement.
“2014 Revolving Facility” means the revolving credit facility provided for by the 2014 Credit Agreement.
“2014 Term Loan Facility” means the term loan facility provided for by the 2014 Credit Agreement.
“2016 JFK Bonds” means special facility revenue bonds issued on behalf of American by NYTDC in June 2016.
“2020 Form 10-K” means AAG’s and American’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
“2020 JFK Bonds” means special facility revenue bonds issued on behalf of American by NYTDC in June 2020.
“2021 JFK Bonds” means special facility revenue bonds NYTDC issued in June 2021.
“2021-1 Aircraft” means the 26 aircraft financed or to be financed by American under the 2021-1 Aircraft EETCs.
“2021-1 Aircraft EETCs” means the two pass-through trusts created by American in November 2021 that have issued approximately $960 million aggregate face amount of Series 2021-1 Class A and Class B EETCs.
“2026 Notes” means the AAdvantage Issuers' 5.50% senior secured notes due 2026.
“2029 Notes” means the AAdvantage Issuers' 5.75% senior secured notes due 2029.
“3.75% Senior Notes” mean 3.75% senior notes due 2025 with an aggregate principal amount of $500 million.
“5.000% Senior Notes” means the 5.000% senior notes due in 2022 with an aggregate principal amount of $750 million.
“10.75% Senior Secured Notes” means, collectively, the LGA/DCA Notes and the IP Notes.
“10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date” means September 25, 2020.
“10.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral” means the IP Collateral and LGA/DCA Collateral.
“10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures” means the IP Notes Indenture and the LGA/DCA Notes Indenture.
“10.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee with respect to the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes.
“11.75% Senior Secured Notes” means the 11.75% senior secured notes due in 2025 with an aggregate principal amount of $2.5 billion.
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“11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral” means the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and the Second Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral.
“11.75% Senior Secured Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of June 30, 2020, by and among American, AAG and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee.
“11.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee with respect to the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes.
“AAdvantage” means the AAdvantage® frequent flyer program.
“AAdvantage Agreements” means the AAdvantage program agreements provided as collateral under the AAdvantage Financing.
“AAdvantage Collateral” means the AAdvantage Agreements (including all payments thereunder) and rights under an intercompany agreement and certain IP Licenses, certain rights under the AAdvantage program, certain deposit accounts that will receive cash under the AAdvantage Agreements, certain reserve accounts, the equity of each of Loyalty Issuer and the SPV Guarantors and substantially all other assets of Loyalty Issuer and the SPV Guarantors.
“AAdvantage Financing” means the AAdvantage Notes and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility.
“AAdvantage Financing Closing Date” means March 24, 2021.
“AAdvantage Guarantees” means the AAdvantage Note Guarantees, together with the full and unconditional guarantee of the AAdvantage Loans by the AAdvantage Guarantors.
“AAdvantage Guarantors” means the SPV Guarantors and AAG.
“AAdvantage Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of March 24, 2021, by and among the AAdvantage Issuers, the AAdvantage Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral custodian.
“AAdvantage Issuers” means the Loyalty Issuer and American.
“AAdvantage Loans” means the $3.5 billion of term loans provided pursuant to the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility.
“AAdvantage Note Guarantees” means the full and unconditional guarantee of the AAdvantage Notes by the AAdvantage Guarantors.
“AAdvantage Notes” means, collectively, the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes.
“AAdvantage Payment Date” means, with respect to the payment of interest on the AAdvantage Notes and AAdvantage Loans, the 20th day of each January, April, July and October.
“AAdvantage Term Loan Facility” means the $3.5 billion term loan facility provided pursuant to the term loan credit and guaranty agreement, dated as of March 24, 2021, with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as collateral administrator, and the lenders party thereto.
“AAG”, “we”, “us”, “our” and similar terms means American Airlines Group Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
“AAL” means the trading symbol under which AAG common stock is listed and traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
“AFA” means Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.
“ALPA” means Air Line Pilots Association.
“American” means American Airlines, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAG.
“American Eagle” means our regional carriers, including our wholly-owned regional carriers Envoy, PSA and Piedmont, as well as third-party regional carriers including Mesa, Republic and SkyWest.
“AMR” or “AMR Corporation” means AMR Corporation and is used to reference AAG during the period of time prior to its emergence from Chapter 11 and the Merger.
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“AOCI” means accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
“APA” means Allied Pilots Association.
“APFA” means Association of Professional Flight Attendants.
“April 2016 Credit Agreement” means the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2016, among American, AAG, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and certain other parties thereto, as amended.
“April 2016 Credit Facilities” means the April 2016 Revolving Facility and April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility provided for by the 2016 Credit Agreement.
“April 2016 Revolving Facility” means the revolving credit facility provided for by the April 2016 Credit Agreement.
“April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility” means the term loan facility provided for by the April 2016 Credit Agreement.
“ARP” means the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
“ASM” means available seat mile and is a basic measure of production. One ASM represents one seat flown one mile.
“ASU” means Accounting Standards Update.
“ATC” means air traffic control.
“ATC system” means the U.S. National Airspace System.
“Aviation Act” means subtitle VII of Title 49 of the United States Code, as amended.
“Bankruptcy Court” means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
“Base Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of June 25, 2020, between AAG and the Convertible Notes Trustee.
“Boeing” means The Boeing Company.
“BOS” means Boston Logan International Airport.
“Bylaws” means AAG’s Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended.
“CARES Act” means the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
“CASM” means total operating cost per available seat mile and is equal to total operating expenses divided by ASMs.
“CBAs” means collective bargaining agreements.
“CEO” means Chief Executive Officer.
“CFO” means Chief Financial Officer.
“Chapter 11 Cases” means the voluntary petitions for relief filed on November 29, 2011 by the Debtors.
“China Southern Airlines” means China Southern Airlines Company Limited.
“CMA” means the United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority.
“CO2” means carbon dioxide.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Company” means AAG and its consolidated subsidiaries.
“Convertible Notes” means AAG’s 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2025.
“Convertible Notes Indenture” means the Base Indenture and the Convertible Notes Supplemental Indenture.
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“Convertible Notes Guarantee” means the full and unconditional guarantee of the Convertible Notes by American.
“Convertible Notes Supplemental Indenture” means the first supplemental indenture, dated as of June 25, 2020, among AAG, American and the Convertible Notes Trustee.
“Convertible Notes Trustee” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee with respect to the Convertible Notes.
“CORSIA” means the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.
“COVID-19” refers to a respiratory illness first detected in 2019 and the ensuing global pandemic that remains ongoing as of the date of this report.
“Credit Facilities” means, collectively, the 2013 Credit Facilities, 2014 Credit Facilities, April 2016 Credit Facilities and December 2016 Credit Facilities.
“CWA” means Communications Workers of America.
“CWA-IBT” means the Airline Employees Customer Service Association – Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
“DCA” means Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
“DCR” means disputed claims reserve, a reserve established by the Bankruptcy Court, pursuant to the Plan, to hold shares of AAG common stock for issuance to disputed claimholders as of the Effective Date or, alternatively, to former holders of AMR common stock or former holders of certain AMR convertible notes.
“DC Court” means the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia.
“Debtors” means AMR, American, and certain of AMR’s other direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries.
“December 2016 Credit Agreement” means the Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of December 15, 2016, among American, AAG, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Citibank N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other parties thereto, as amended.
“December 2016 Credit Facilities” means, collectively, the December 2016 Term Loan Facility and the revolving credit facility that may be established under the December 2016 Credit Agreement.
“December 2016 Term Loan Facility” means the term loan facility provided for under the December 2016 Credit Agreement.
“DEI” means diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility” means the Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of March 18, 2020, among American, AAG, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Citibank N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other parties thereto, as amended.
“DOJ” means the United States Department of Justice.
“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.
“DOT Agreement” means the agreement reached between the DOT, American, and JetBlue in January 2021, following the termination of DOT’s review of the NEA.
“EC” means the European Commission.
“EETC” means enhanced equipment trust certificate.
“Effective Date” means December 9, 2013.
“Eighth Amendment” means the Eighth Amendment entered into in January 2020 to the 2014 Credit Agreement.
“Envoy” means Envoy Air Inc.
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“EPA” means the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“EPS” means earnings (loss) per common share.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Ethics Standards” means AAG’s and American’s Standards of Business Conduct.
“ETS” means Emission Trading Scheme.
“EU” means European Union.
"EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement" means the trade and cooperation agreement between the EU and United Kingdom.
"eVTOL" means electric vertical take-off and landing.
"EWR" means Newark Liberty International Airport.
“Exchange Act” means Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“FAA” means Federal Aviation Administration.
“First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral” means certain assets, rights and properties utilized by American in providing its scheduled air carrier services to and from certain airports in the United States and certain airports in Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Switzerland which are used to secure the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes on a first-lien basis.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.
“GDSs” means global distribution systems.
“GHG” means greenhouse gas.
“GOL” means GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.
“GSPC” means S&P 500 Index.
“holdback” means an amount of cash held by our credit card processors in certain circumstances (including, with respect to certain agreements, our failure to maintain certain levels of liquidity).
“HoldCo2” means AAdvantage Holdings 2, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of American and the direct parent of Loyalty Issuer.
“IAM” means International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers.
“IAM Pension Fund” means the IAM National Pension Fund.
“IBT” means International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
“ICAO” means International Civil Aviation Organization.
“IP Collateral” means certain intellectual property of American, including the “American Airlines” trademark and the “aa.com” domain name in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions, to which American has given a first lien security interest to secure the IP Notes.
“IP Licenses” means the series of intercompany license agreements pursuant to which an exclusive, irrevocable (subject to certain termination rights), perpetual, worldwide, royalty-bearing sublicense to use the Transferred AAdvantage IP was granted indirectly by Loyalty Issuer to American.
“IP Notes” means American’s $1.0 billion in initial principal amount of 10.75% senior secured IP notes.
“IP Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of September 25, 2020, by and among American, AAG and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral trustee, pursuant to which the IP Notes were issued.
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“JCBA” means joint collective bargaining agreement.
“JetBlue” means JetBlue Airways Corporation.
“JetSMART” means JetSmart Airlines SpA.
“JFK” means John F. Kennedy International Airport.
“LAWA” means the Los Angeles World Airports.
“LAX” means Los Angeles International Airport.
“LEED” means U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
“LGA/DCA Collateral” means certain slots related to American’s operations at LGA and DCA and certain other assets that are used as (a) a first-lien security interest to secure the December 2016 Credit Facilities, (b) a first lien security interest to secure the LGA/DCA Notes and (c) a second lien security interest to secure the IP Notes.
“LGA/DCA Notes” means American’s $200 million in initial principal amount of 10.75% senior secured LGA/DCA notes.
“LGA/DCA Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of September 25, 2020, by and among American, AAG and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral trustee, pursuant to which the LGA/DCA Notes were issued.
“LGA” means LaGuardia Airport.
“LGW” or “London Gatwick” means London Gatwick Airport.
“LHR” or “London Heathrow” means London Heathrow Airport.
“LIBOR” means the London interbank offered rate for deposits of U.S. dollars.
“Loyalty Issuer” means AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of American and co-issuer of the AAdvantage Notes.
“LTV” means loan to value ratio.
“Madrid IP SCS” means Madrid IP Lux HoldCo SCS, a Luxembourg common limited partnership (société en commandite simple) and an indirect subsidiary of Loyalty Issuer.
“Madrid SPV Guarantors” means certain Luxembourg limited liability companies and partnerships that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Loyalty Issuer and which fully and unconditionally guarantee the AAdvantage Financing.
“Mainline” means the operations of American and excludes regional operations.
“marketing component” means, with respect to the AAdvantage program, the use of intellectual property, including the American brand and access to loyalty program member lists, which is the predominant element in the co-branded credit card agreements, as well as advertising.
“Merger” means the merger of US Airways Group and AMR Corporation on December 9, 2013.
“Mesa” means Mesa Airlines, Inc.
“MOU” means memorandum of understanding.
"NEA" means Northeast Alliance arrangement between American and JetBlue.
“NMB” means National Mediation Board.
“NOLs” means net operating losses.
“NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.
“NYTDC” means the New York Transportation Development Corporation.
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“ORD” means Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
“Original SPV Guarantors” means AAdvantage Holdings 1, Ltd. and HoldCo2.
“OSHA” means Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
“OTAs” means online travel agents.
“PAFCA” means Professional Airline Flight Control Association.
“Passenger load factor” means the percentage of available seats that are filled with revenue passengers.
“PCAOB” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in the U.S.
“PEB” means Presidential Emergency Board.
“PFAS” means per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
“Piedmont” means Piedmont Airlines, Inc.
“Plan” means the Debtors’ fourth amended joint plan of reorganization.
“PRASM” means passenger revenue per available seat mile and is equal to passenger revenues divided by ASMs.
“Proxy Statement” means American Airlines Group Inc.’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of American Airlines Group Inc.
“PSA” means PSA Airlines, Inc.
“PSP1” means the payroll support program established under the CARES Act.
“PSP1 Agreement” means the Payroll Support Program Agreement entered into by the Subsidiaries with Treasury on the PSP1 Closing Date.
“PSP1 Closing Date” means April 20, 2020.
“PSP1 Financial Assistance” means the portion of financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement that is not allocated to the PSP1 Warrants or PSP1 Promissory Note.
“PSP1 Maturity Date” means the tenth anniversary of the PSP1 Closing Date.
“PSP1 Promissory Note” means the promissory note issued to Treasury in connection with PSP1.
“PSP1 Warrant Agreement” means the agreement entered into between AAG and Treasury in connection with the PSP1 Agreement, pursuant to which AAG issued PSP1 Warrants to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million shares of AAG common stock.
“PSP1 Warrants” means the warrants issued or to be issued to Treasury pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement.
“PSP1 Warrant Shares” means up to approximately 14.1 million shares of AAG common stock which Treasury will have the right to purchase pursuant to PSP1 Warrants issued by AAG in accordance with the PSP1 Warrant Agreement.
“PSP2” means the payroll support program established under the PSP Extension Law.
“PSP2 Agreement” means the Payroll Support Program Extension Agreement entered into by the Subsidiaries with Treasury on the PSP2 Closing Date.
“PSP2 Closing Date” means January 15, 2021.
“PSP2 Financial Assistance” means the portion of financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP2 Agreement that is not allocated to the PSP2 Warrants or PSP2 Promissory Note.
“PSP2 Maturity Date” means the tenth anniversary of the PSP2 Closing Date.
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“PSP2 Promissory Note” means the promissory note issued to Treasury in connection with PSP2.
“PSP2 Warrant Agreement” means the agreement entered into between AAG and Treasury in connection with the PSP2 Agreement, pursuant to which AAG issued PSP2 Warrants to Treasury to purchase the PSP2 Warrant Shares.
“PSP2 Warrant Shares” means up to an aggregate of approximately 6.6 million shares of AAG common stock which Treasury will have the right to purchase pursuant to PSP2 Warrants issued or to be issued by AAG in accordance with the PSP2 Warrant Agreement.
“PSP2 Warrants” means the warrants issued or to be issued to Treasury pursuant to the PSP2 Warrant Agreement.
“PSP3” means the payroll support program established under the ARP.
“PSP3 Agreement” means the Payroll Support Program Agreement entered into by the Subsidiaries with Treasury on the PSP3 Closing Date.
“PSP3 Closing Date” means April 23, 2021.
“PSP3 Financial Assistance” means the portion of financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP3 Agreement that is not allocated to the PSP3 Warrants or PSP3 Promissory Note.
“PSP3 Maturity Date” means the tenth anniversary of the PSP3 Closing Date.
“PSP3 Promissory Note” means the promissory note issued to Treasury in connection with PSP3.
“PSP3 Warrant Agreement” means the agreement entered into between AAG and Treasury in connection with the PSP3 Agreement, pursuant to which AAG issued PSP3 Warrants to Treasury to purchase the PSP3 Warrant Shares.
“PSP3 Warrant Shares” means up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock which Treasury will have the right to purchase pursuant to PSP3 Warrants issued or to be issued by AAG in accordance with the PSP3 Warrant Agreement.
“PSP3 Warrants” means the warrants issued or to be issued to Treasury pursuant to the PSP3 Warrant Agreement.
“PSP Extension Law” means Subtitle A of Title IV of Division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
“Rehabilitation Plan” means the rehabilitation plan adopted by the IAM Pension Fund on April 17, 2019.
“Republic” means Republic Airways Inc.
“Republic Holdings” means Republic Airways Holdings Inc., the parent company of Republic.
“RLA” means Railway Labor Act.
“ROU” means right-of-use.
“RPM” or “RPMs” means revenue passenger mile or miles and is a basic measure of sales volume. One RPM represents one passenger flown one mile.
“RSUs” means restricted stock units.
“S&P” means Standard and Poor’s Financial Services, LLC.
“SAF” means sustainable aviation fuel.
“SAIB” means special airworthiness information bulletin.
“SEC” means Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Second Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral” means certain assets, rights and properties utilized by American in providing its scheduled air carrier services to and from certain airports in the United States and certain airports in the European Union and the United Kingdom which are used to secure the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes on a second-lien basis.
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“Section 382” means Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
“Securities Act” means Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“SkyWest” means SkyWest Airlines, Inc.
“slots” means landing and take-off rights and authorizations, as required by certain airports.
“SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate.
“SPV Guarantors” means the Original SPV Guarantors and the Madrid SPV Guarantors.
“Subsidiaries” means American, Envoy, PSA and Piedmont, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAG.
“Superfund Act” means Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
“Tax Benefits Preservation Plan” means the tax benefits preservation plan adopted by the Board of Directors of AAG in December 2021 in order to preserve the Company’s ability to use its NOLs and certain other tax attributes to reduce potential future income tax obligations.
“Terminal” means the passenger terminal facility used by American at JFK.
“Transferred AAdvantage IP” means, among other things, American’s rights to certain data and other intellectual property used in the AAdvantage program (subject to certain exceptions).
“TRASM” means the total revenue per available seat mile and is equal to the total revenues divided by total mainline and third-party regional carrier ASMs.
“Treasury” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
“Treasury Loan Agreement” means the Loan and Guarantee Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2020, between AAG, American and Treasury which provides for the Treasury Term Loan Facility.
“Treasury Loan Closing Date” means September 25, 2020.
“Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement” means the warrant agreement, dated as of September 25, 2020, between AAG and Treasury entered into in connection with the Treasury Loan Agreement, pursuant to which AAG issued Treasury Loan Warrants to Treasury to purchase shares of AAG common stock.
“Treasury Loan Warrants” means the warrants issued to Treasury pursuant to the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement.
“Treasury Loan Warrant Shares” means the shares of AAG common stock which Treasury will have the right to purchase pursuant to Treasury Loan Warrants issued by AAG in accordance with the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement.
“Treasury Term Loan Facility” means the term loan facility provided for under the Treasury Loan Agreement.
“TSA” means Transportation Security Administration.
“TWU” means Transport Workers Union.
“TWU-IAM Association” means Transport Workers Union and International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers.
“US Airways Group” means US Airways Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
“USTR” means the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
“Vertical” means Vertical Aerospace Ltd.
“WTO” means World Trade Organization.
“XAL” means NYSE ARCA Airline Index.
“Yield” means a measure of airline revenue derived by dividing passenger revenue by RPMs.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Below are certain risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, or the trading price of our common stock or other securities. We caution the reader that these risk factors may not be exhaustive. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time. Management cannot predict such new risks and uncertainties, nor can it assess the extent to which any of the risk factors below or any such new risks and uncertainties, or any combination thereof, may impact our business.
Risks Related to our Business
The outbreak and global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel which has adversely impacted our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity. The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and similar public health threats that we may face in the future, could result in additional adverse effects on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
The COVID-19 outbreak, along with the measures governments and private organizations worldwide have implemented in an attempt to contain the spread of this pandemic, has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel, which has adversely affected our business, operations and financial condition to an unprecedented extent. Measures such as travel restrictions, including testing regimes, “stay at home” and quarantine orders, limitations on public gatherings, cancellation of public events and many others have resulted in a precipitous decline in demand for both domestic and international business and leisure travel. In response to this material deterioration in demand, we have taken a number of aggressive actions to ameliorate our business, operations and financial condition. We have focused on reducing our capacity, making structural changes to our fleet, reducing costs including implementing voluntary leave and early retirement programs, preserving cash and improving our overall liquidity position. We have reduced our system-wide capacity and will continue to monitor conditions and to proactively evaluate and adjust our schedule to match demand. Additionally, we have retired certain mainline aircraft earlier than planned, including all of our Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 aircraft as well as certain regional aircraft, including all of our Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft, which we expect will allow us to be more efficient by reducing the number of sub-fleets we operate, and we have also placed a number of Boeing 737-800 aircraft into temporary storage. We have moved quickly to attempt to better align our costs with our reduced schedule and made other cost-saving initiatives (including reductions in maintenance expense, marketing expense, event and training expense, airport facilities expense, salaries and benefits expense, and other volume-related expense reductions, including fuel). Nonetheless, we incurred significant net losses, excluding net special items, in 2020 and 2021, and we expect to continue to do so until there is a significant and sustained global recovery in demand for air travel. The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic remain uncertain, and there can be no assurance that any of the mitigating actions we have taken will suffice to sustain our business and operations through this pandemic.
We have taken and will take additional actions to improve our financial position, including measures to improve liquidity, such as obtaining financial assistance under the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP. In 2020, we received approximately $6.0 billion in financial assistance from Treasury through PSP1 established under the CARES Act, and in 2021, we received approximately $3.5 billion in financial assistance from Treasury through PSP2 established under the PSP Extension Law and $3.3 billion in financial assistance from Treasury through PSP3 established under the ARP. In connection with the financial assistance we have received through PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3, we are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP, including the requirement that funds provided pursuant to PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3 be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits; the requirement that certain levels of commercial air service be maintained; provisions prohibiting the repurchase of AAG common stock and the payment of common stock dividends through September 30, 2022; and restrictions on the payment of certain executive compensation until April 1, 2023. Additionally, under PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3, we and certain of our subsidiaries are subject to substantial and continuing reporting obligations. The substance and duration of these restrictions may materially affect our operations, and we may not be successful in managing these impacts.
We may pursue additional financing through, among other things, the issuance of additional unsecured and secured debt securities, equity securities and equity-linked securities and/or the entry into additional bilateral and syndicated secured and/or unsecured credit facilities. There can be no assurance as to the timing of any such financing transactions, which may be in the near term, or that we will be able to obtain such additional financing on favorable terms, or at all. Any such actions may be material in nature, could result in the incurrence and issuance of significant additional indebtedness or equity and could impose significant covenants and restrictions to which we are not currently subject.
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The measures we have taken to reduce our expenditures and to improve our liquidity, and any other strategic actions that we may take in the future in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may not be effective in offsetting decreased demand, and we may not be permitted to take certain strategic actions that we believe are beneficial if such strategic actions are in contravention of the requirements under the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law or the ARP, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
The full extent of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our longer-term operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, many of which are outside our control, including the effectiveness of the mitigation strategies discussed above; the duration and spread of COVID-19, including recurrence of the pandemic or the emergence of novel variants, and related travel advisories, restrictions and testing regimes; the supply of effective vaccines and success of efforts to deploy the vaccines; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall long-term demand for air travel; the impact on demand and capacity which could result from government mandates on air service (including, for instance, requirements for passengers to wear face coverings while traveling or have their temperature checked or have administered COVID-19 tests and other checks prior to or after entering an airport or boarding an airplane, or which would limit the number of seats that can be occupied on an aircraft to allow for social distancing or prohibit flights to certain locations); the impact of COVID-19 on our employees’ ability to work because they are quarantined or sickened as a result of exposure to COVID-19 or if they are subject to additional governmental COVID-19 curfews or "stay at home" health orders or similar restrictions; the impact of federal vaccine mandates, including the willingness of our employees to comply with such mandates and potential conflict with actions by certain states that are in conflict with the federal mandate; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial health and operations of our business partners and future governmental actions, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. In addition, we currently have a significantly smaller workforce than we did prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the demand for leisure travel, in particular domestically, accelerated during 2021. Despite recalling previously furloughed frontline team members and continuously hiring new employees, airlines have experienced, and may continue to experience, periodic staffing shortages which may result in flight cancellations and other operational disruptions. The emergence in late 2021 of the fast-spreading omicron variant of COVID-19 resulted in a significant rise in global cases which could result in higher than normal employee absences. Continued volatility in demand for travel, coupled with the unpredictability of the ongoing pandemic, presents challenges in building and flying our schedule, in particular during peak travel periods. At this time, we are also not able to predict whether the COVID-19 pandemic will result in permanent changes to our customers' behavior, with such changes including but not limited to a permanent reduction in business travel as a result of increased usage of "virtual" and "teleconferencing" products and more broadly a general reluctance to travel by consumers, each of which could have a material impact on our business.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused significant disruption in global supply chains and staffing shortages, which has affected the availability and timely delivery and fulfillment of many goods, including certain of those that we purchase directly or which are required by third parties to perform contracted services for us. We rely on the operation of complex supply chains and a large number of third parties for the procurement and fulfillment of parts, components, consumable or disposable goods and other products and services essential to our business. We cannot guarantee that, as a result of ongoing or future supply chain disruptions or staffing shortages, we or our third-party partners will be able to timely source all of the products and services we require in the course of our business, or that we will be successful in procuring suitable alternatives.
We are also dependent upon effective COVID-19 vaccines, including an efficient distribution and sufficient supply, and significant uptake by the general public in order to normalize economic conditions and the airline industry and to realize our financial and growth plans and business strategy. The failure of a vaccine, including to the extent it is not effective against any COVID-19 variants, significant unplanned adverse reactions to the vaccine, politicization of the vaccine or general public distrust of the vaccine could prolong the pandemic and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, in September 2021, the Biden Administration issued an executive order mandating a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for federal contractors. Due to a number of our agreements, American is classified as a government contractor. Consistent with this executive order and guidance from the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force responsible for implementing the order, we announced that the federal vaccine mandate would require all of American’s U.S.-based team members and certain international crew members to be vaccinated or be exempt due to an accommodation for a medical disability or sincerely held religious belief. Lawsuits have been filed in multiple jurisdictions challenging the order, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia in one of these cases issued a nationwide stay of enforcement of the executive order. The cases are currently before several U.S. Courts of Appeal and may ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Given the uncertainty of its viability in the courts, the timing of implementation and availability of accommodations, we cannot predict the impact of this federal vaccination requirement on our business. Moreover, we may be subject to state and local vaccine mandates and other COVID-19-
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related requirements governing airports where we operate. While the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has withdrawn its overarching COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard, the U.S. Supreme Court has acknowledged that OSHA may potentially issue a revised COVID-19 standard targeted to high-risk occupations or workplaces, which could impact our regional carriers and other service providers.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and its ultimate impact remains highly uncertain and subject to change. Even once the pandemic subsides, demand for air travel may remain weak for a prolonged period due to, among other things, adverse changes in business travel patterns or perceived or actual economic factors such as declines in income levels and/or loss of wealth resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, an outbreak of another disease or similar public health threat, or fear of such an event, that affects travel demand, travel behavior or travel restrictions could adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results. Outbreaks of other diseases could also result in increased government restrictions and regulation, such as those actions described above or otherwise, which could adversely affect our operations.
Downturns in economic conditions could adversely affect our business.
Due to the discretionary nature of business and leisure travel spending and the highly competitive nature of the airline industry, our revenues are heavily influenced by the condition of the U.S. economy and economies in other regions of the world. Unfavorable conditions in these broader economies have resulted, and may result in the future, in decreased passenger demand for air travel, changes in booking practices and related reactions by our competitors, all of which in turn have had, and may have in the future, a strong negative effect on our business. See also “The airline industry is intensely competitiveIn particular, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and dynamic” below.
Our business is very dependent on the priceassociated decline in economic activity and availability of aircraft fuel. Continued periods of high volatilityincrease in fuel costs, increased fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel couldunemployment levels have a significant negative impact on our operating results and liquidity.
Our operating results are materially impacted by changes in the availability, price volatility and cost of aircraft fuel, which represents one of the largest single cost items in our business. Market prices for jet fuel have fluctuated substantially over the past several years and prices continue to be highly volatile.
Because of the amount of fuel needed to operate our business, even a relatively small increase or decrease in the price of fuel can have a material effect on our operating results and liquidity. Due to the competitive nature of the airline industry and unpredictability of the market for air travel, we can offer no assurance that we may be able to increase our fares, impose fuel surcharges or otherwise increase revenues or decrease other operating costs sufficiently to offset fuel price increases. Similarly, we cannot predict actions that may be taken by our competitors in response to changes in fuel prices.
Although we are currently able to obtain adequate supplies of aircraft fuel, we cannot predict the future availability, price volatility or cost of aircraft fuel. Natural disasters (including hurricanes or similar events in the U.S. Southeast and on the Gulf Coast where a significant portion of domestic refining capacity is located), political disruptions or wars involving oil-producing countries, economic sanctions imposed against oil-producing countries or specific industry participants, changes in fuel-related governmental policy, the strength of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, changes in the cost to transport or store petroleum products, changes in access to petroleum product pipelines and terminals, speculation in the energy futures markets, changes in aircraft fuel production capacity, environmental concerns and other unpredictable events may result in fuel supply shortages, distribution challenges, additional fuel price volatility and cost increases in the future. Any of these factors or events could cause a disruption in oil production, refinery operations, pipeline capacity or terminal access and possibly result in significant increases in the price of aircraft fuel and diminished availability of aircraft fuel supply.
Our aviation fuel purchase contracts generally do not provide meaningful price protection against increases in fuel costs. Our current policy is not to enter into transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, although we review this policy from time to time based on market conditions and other factors. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2018, we did not have any fuel hedging contracts outstanding. As such, and assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, we will continue to be fully exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. See also the discussion in Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – “Aircraft Fuel.”
The airline industry is intensely competitive and dynamic.
Our competitors include other major domestic airlines and foreign, regional and new entrant airlines, as well as joint ventures formed by some of these airlines, many of which have more financial or other resources and/or lower cost structures than ours, as well as other forms of transportation, including rail and private automobiles. In many of our markets we compete with at least one low-cost carrier (including so-called ultra-low cost carriers). Our revenues are sensitive to the actions of other carriers in many areas including pricing, scheduling, capacity, amenities, loyalty benefits and promotions, which can have a substantial adverse impact not only on our revenues, but on overall industry revenues. These factors may become even more significant in periods when the industry experiences large losses, as airlines under financial stress, or in bankruptcy, may institute pricing structures intended to achieve near-term survival rather than long-term viability.


Low-cost carriers (including so-called ultra-low-cost carriers) have a profound impact on industry revenues. Using the advantage of low unit costs, these carriers offer lower fares in order to shift demand from larger, more established airlines, and represent significant competitors, particularly for customers who fly infrequently and are price sensitive and tend not to be loyal to any one particular carrier. While historically these carriers have provided competition in domestic markets, we have recently experienced new competition from low-cost carriers on international routes. A number of these low-cost carriers have announced growth strategies including commitments to acquire significant numbers of new aircraft for delivery in the next few years. These low-cost carriers are attempting to continue to increase their market share through growth and, potentially, consolidation,had and are expected to continue to have an impacta severe and prolonged effect on our revenuesthe global economy generally and, overall performance. Wein turn, is expected to depress demand for air travel into the foreseeable future. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the duration and several other large network carriers have implemented “Basic Economy” fares designedseverity of this pandemic, we can provide no assurance as to more effectively compete against low-cost carriers, butwhen and at what pace demand for air travel will return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, if at all. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether these initiativesthe ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated changes in business practices which may persist. For example, businesses and other travelers may continue to forego air travel in favor of remote or flexible working policies and communication alternatives such as videoconferencing. In addition, to the extent businesses continue to permit air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are more likely to require the purchase of less expensive tickets to reduce costs, thereby potentially impacting our average revenue per available seat mile. See also “The outbreak and global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel which has adversely impacted our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity. The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and similar public health threats that we may face in the future, could result in additional adverse effects on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity” and “The airline industry is intensely competitive and dynamic.”
We will need to obtain sufficient financing or other capital to operate successfully.
Our business plan contemplates continued significant investments related to our fleet, improving the experience of our customers and updating our facilities. Significant capital resources will be required to execute this plan. We estimate that, based on our commitments as of December 31, 2021, our planned aggregate expenditures for aircraft purchase commitments and certain engines on a consolidated basis for calendar years 2022-2026 would be approximately $12.4 billion. We may also require financing to refinance maturing obligations and to provide liquidity to fund other corporate requirements. Accordingly, we will need substantial liquidity, financing or other capital resources to finance such aircraft and engines and meet such other liquidity needs. If needed, it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, due to, among other factors: our substantial level of existing indebtedness, particularly following the additional liquidity transactions completed and contemplated in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; our non-investment grade credit rating; unfavorable market conditions; the availability of assets to use as collateral for loans or other indebtedness, which has been reduced significantly as a result of certain financing transactions we have undertaken since the beginning of 2020 and may be further reduced; and the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the global economy generally and the air transportation industry in particular. If we are unable to arrange any such required financing at customary advance rates and on terms and conditions acceptable to us, we may need to use cash from operations or cash on hand to purchase such aircraft and engines or fund such other corporate requirements or may seek to negotiate deferrals for such aircraft and engines with the applicable manufacturers or otherwise defer corporate obligations. Depending on numerous factors applicable at the time we seek capital, many of which are out of our control, such as the state of the domestic and global economies, the capital and credit markets’ view of our prospects and the airline industry in general, and the general availability of debt and equity capital, the financing or other capital resources that we will need may not be available to us, or may be available only on onerous terms and
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conditions. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining financing or the competitive reactionother needed sources of the low-cost carriers. Competition is also increasing from low-cost airlines executing international long-haul expansion strategies, including, for example, Icelandair, Norwegian Air Shuttle and Wow Air. The actions of existingcapital to operate successfully or future low-cost carriers, including those described above, couldto fund our committed expenditures. An inability to obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms would have a material adverse effectimpact on our operations and financial performance.
We provide air travel internationally, directly as well as through joint business, alliance, codeshare and similar arrangements to which we are a party. While our network is comprehensive, compared to some of our key global competitors, we generally have somewhat greater relative exposure to certain regions (for example, Latin America) and somewhat lower relative exposures to others (for example, China and parts of Asia). Our financial performance relative to our key competitors will therefore be influenced significantly by macro-economic conditions in particular regions around the world and the relative exposure of our network to the markets in those regions.
In providing international air transportation, we compete to provide scheduled passenger and cargo service between the U.S. and various overseas locations with U.S. airlines, foreign investor-owned airlines and foreign state-owned or state-affiliated airlines. Competition is increasing from foreign state-owned and state-affiliated airlines in the Gulf region, including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. These carriers have large numbers of international widebody aircraft in service and on order and are increasing service to the U.S. from locations both in and outside the Middle East. Service to and from locations outside of the Middle East is provided by some of these carriers under so-called “fifth freedom” rights permitted under international treaties which allow service to and from stopover points between an airline’s home country and the ultimate destination. Such flights, such as a stopover in Europe on flights to the United States, allow the carrier to sell tickets for travel between the stopover point and the United States in competition with service provided by us. Additionally, these carriers have made significant investments in a number of airlines located outside of the Middle East, such as Air Italy, providing these affiliated airlines with capital and aircraft to permit increases in service that compete with us. We believe these state-owned and state-affiliated carriers in the Gulf region, including their affiliated carriers, benefit from significant government subsidies, which have allowed them to grow quickly, reinvest in their product and expand their global presence. Competition is also increasing from low-cost airlines executing international long-haul expansion strategies, including, for example, Icelandair, Norwegian Air Shuttle and Wow Air.
Our international service exposes us to foreign economies and the potential for reduced demand, such as we have recently experienced in Venezuela, when any foreign country we serve suffers adverse local economic conditions. In addition, open skies agreements with an increasing number of countries around the world provide international airlines with open access to U.S. markets, potentially subjecting us to increased competition on our international routes. See also “Our business is subject to extensive government regulation, which may result in increases in our costs, disruptions to our operations, limits on our operating flexibility, reductions in the demand for air travel, and competitive disadvantages.”
Certain airline alliances, joint ventures and joint businesses have been, or may in the future be, granted immunity from antitrust regulations by governmental authorities for specific areas of cooperation, such as joint pricing decisions. To the extent alliances formed by our competitors can undertake activities that are not available to us, our ability to effectively compete may be hindered. Our ability to attract and retain customers is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to offer our customers convenient access to desired markets. Our business could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain or obtain alliance and marketing relationships with other air carriers in desired markets.
American has established a transatlantic JBA with British Airways, Iberia and Finnair, and separately, a transpacific JBA with Japan Airlines, each of which has been granted antitrust immunity. In October 2017, American and its transatlantic partners executed an amended and restated JBA which, among other things, extends the term of the agreement. An application is pending with the DOT to add Aer Lingus, which is now owned by the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, to the transatlantic JBA. This relationship benefits from a grant of antitrust immunity from the DOT and was reviewed by the EC in July 2010. In connection with this review, we provided certain commitments to the EC regarding, among other things, the availability of take-off and landing slots at LHR or LGW airports. The commitments accepted by the EC are binding for 10 years with the possibility of renewal by the EC. However, in light of Brexit and the related possibility that the EC would no


longer have regulatory responsibility for the United Kingdom when the commitments expire in July 2020, the United Kingdom CMA in October 2018 opened an investigation into the transatlantic JBA. We are cooperating fully with the CMA. Also, we had previously signed a JBA with Qantas Airways and in 2015, applied for antitrust immunity with the DOT for the revised relationship, but we withdrew that application in November 2016 after it was tentatively denied by the DOT. In February 2018, we filed a new application for antitrust immunity with the DOT, which, if granted, would allow us to further expand our relationship with Qantas Airways. This JBA has been approved by the competition law regulators in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, we have signed JBAs with certain air carriers of the LATAM Airlines Group, which JBAs have been approved in all jurisdictions other than the United States, where approval is pending. Most recently, in November 2018, the Court of Free Competition in Chile approved the JBA between American and LATAM Airlines Group with respect to both our passenger and cargo businesses. That decision has been appealed to the Chilean Supreme Court. The foregoing arrangements are important aspects of our international network and we are dependent on the performance and continued cooperation of the other airlines party to those agreements. No assurances can be given as to any benefits that we may derive from such arrangements or any other arrangements that may ultimately be implemented, or whether or not regulators will continue to approve or impose material conditions on our business activities.
Additional mergers and other forms of industry consolidation, including antitrust immunity grants, may take place and may not involve us as a participant. Depending on which carriers combine and which assets, if any, are sold or otherwise transferred to other carriers in connection with any such combinations, our competitive position relative to the post-combination carriers or other carriers that acquire such assets could be harmed. In addition, as carriers combine through traditional mergers or antitrust immunity grants, their route networks will grow, and that growth will result in greater overlap with our network, which in turn could result in lower overall market share and revenues for us. Such consolidation is not limited to the U.S., but could include further consolidation among international carriers in Europe and elsewhere.
Additionally, our AAdvantage loyalty program, which is an important element of our sales and marketing programs, faces significant and increasing competition from the loyalty programs offered by other travel companies, as well as from similar loyalty benefits offered by banks and other financial services companies. Competition among loyalty programs is intense regarding the rewards, fees, required usage, and other terms and conditions of these programs. These competitive factors affect our ability to attract and retain customers, increase usage of our loyalty program and maximize the revenue generated by our loyalty program.
Evolving data security and privacy requirements could increase our costs, and any significant data security 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.
Our business requires the secure processing and storage of sensitive information relating to our customers, employees, business partners and others. However, like any global enterprise operating in today’s digital business environment, we are subject to threats to the security of our networks and data, including threats potentially involving criminal hackers, hacktivists, state-sponsored actors, corporate espionage, employee malfeasance, and human or technological error. These threats continue to increase as the frequency, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions increase around the world. We have been the target of cybersecurity attacks in the past and expect that we will continue to be in the future.
Furthermore, in response to these threats there has been heightened legislative and regulatory focus on data privacy and cybersecurity in the U.S., the EU and elsewhere, particularly with respect to critical infrastructure providers, including those in the transportation sector. As a result, we must comply with a growing and fast-evolving set of legal requirements in this area, including substantive cybersecurity standards as well as requirements for notifying regulators and affected individuals in the event of a data security incident. This regulatory environment is increasingly challenging and may present material obligations and risks to our business, including significantly expanded compliance burdens, costs and enforcement risks. For example, in May 2018, the EU’s new General Data Protection Regulation, commonly referred to as GDPR, came into effect, which imposes a host of new data privacy and security requirements, imposing significant costs on us and carrying substantial penalties for non-compliance.
In addition, many of our commercial partners, including credit card companies, have imposed data security standards that we must meet. In particular, we are required by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, founded by the credit card companies, to comply with their highest level of data security standards. While we continue our efforts to meet these standards, new and revised standards may be imposed that may be difficult for us to meet and could increase our costs.
A significant cybersecurity incident could result in a range of potentially material negative consequences for us, including unauthorized access to, disclosure, modification, misuse, loss or destruction of company systems or data; theft of sensitive, regulated or confidential data, such as personal identifying information or our intellectual property; the loss of functionality


of critical systems through ransomware, denial of service or other attacks; and business delays, service or system disruptions, damage to equipment and injury to persons or property. The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems are constantly evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or to detect for long periods of time. The constantly changing nature of the threats means that we may not be able to prevent all data security breaches or misuse of data. Similarly, we depend on the ability of our key commercial partners, including our regional carriers, distribution partners and technology vendors, to conduct their businesses in a manner that complies with applicable security standards and assures their ability to perform on a timely basis.
In addition, the costs and operational consequences of defending against, preparing for, responding to and remediating an incident of cybersecurity breach may be substantial. As cybersecurity threats become more frequent, intense and sophisticated, costs of proactive defense measures may increase. Further, we could be exposed to litigation, regulatory enforcement or other legal action as a result of an incident, carrying the potential for damages, fines, sanctions or other penalties, as well as injunctive relief requiring costly compliance measures. A cybersecurity incident could also impact our brand, harm our reputation and adversely impact our relationship with our customers, employees and stockholders. Failure to appropriately address these issues could also give rise to potentially material legal risks and liabilities.
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 cause our business to be vulnerable to adverse economic and industry conditions.
We have significant amounts of indebtedness and other obligations, including pension obligations, obligations to make future payments on flight equipment and property leases related to airport and other facilities, and substantial non-cancelable obligations under aircraft and related spare engine purchase agreements. Moreover, currently a substantialvery significant portion of our assets are pledged to secure our indebtedness. Our substantial indebtedness and other obligations, which are generally greater than the indebtedness and other obligations of our competitors, could have important consequences. For example, they:they may:
may make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness;
may limit our ability to obtain additional funding for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments integration costs, and general corporate purposes, and adversely affect the terms on which such funding can be obtained;
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our liquidity or cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness and other obligations, thereby reducing the funds available for other purposes;
make us more vulnerable to economic downturns, industry conditions and catastrophic external events, particularly relative to competitors with lower relative levels of financial leverage;
contain covenants requiring us to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities;
contain restrictive covenants that could, among other things:
limit our ability to merge, consolidate, sell assets, incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, make investments and pay dividends;
significantly constrain our ability to respond, or respond quickly, to unexpected disruptions in our own operations, the U.S. or global economies, or the businesses in which we operate, or to take advantage of opportunities that would improve our business, operations, or competitive position versus other airlines;
limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures and reduce our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions;
contain covenants requiring us to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and collateral coverage ratios and peak debt service coverage ratios; and
contain restrictive covenants that could, among other things:
limit our ability to merge, consolidate, sell assets, incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, make investments and pay dividends; and
if breached, result in an event of default under our indebtedness.
In addition, in response to the travel restrictions, decreased demand and other effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had and is expected to continue to have on our business, we have obtained and currently anticipate that it may be necessary to continue to obtain a significant amount of additional financing from a variety of sources. Such financing may include the issuance of additional unsecured or secured debt securities, equity securities and equity-linked securities as well as additional bilateral and syndicated secured and/or unsecured credit facilities, among other items. There can be no assurance as to the timing of any such financing transactions, which may be in the near term, or that we will be able to obtain such additional financing on favorable terms, or at all. Any such actions may be material in nature, could result in the incurrence and issuance of significant additional indebtedness or equity and could impose significant covenants and restrictions to which we are not currently subject. In particular, in connection with the financial assistance we have received through PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3, we are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP, including the requirement that funds provided pursuant to PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3 be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits; provisions prohibiting the repurchase of AAG common stock and the payment of common stock dividends through September 30, 2022; and restrictions on the payment of certain executive compensation until April 1, 2023. Additionally, under PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3, we and certain of our subsidiaries are subject to substantial and continuing reporting obligations. Moreover, as a result of the recent financing activities we have undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of
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financings with respect to which such covenants and provisions apply has increased, thereby subjecting us to more substantial risk of cross-default and cross-acceleration in the event of breach, and additional covenants and provisions could become binding on us as we continue to seek additional liquidity.
The obligations discussed above, including those imposed as a result of the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law, the ARP and any additional financings we may be required to undertake as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, could also impact our ability to obtain additional financing, if needed, and our flexibility in the conduct of our business, and could materially adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Further, a substantial portion of our long-term indebtedness bears interest at fluctuating interest rates, primarily based on the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) for deposits of U.S. dollars. LIBOR tends to fluctuate based on general short-term interest rates, rates set by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks, the supply of and demand for credit in the London interbank market and general economic conditions. We have not hedged our interest rate exposure with respect to our floating rate debt. Accordingly, our interest expense for any particular period will fluctuate based on LIBOR and other


variable interest rates. To the extent the interest rates applicable to our floating rate debt increase, our interest expense will increase, in which event we may have difficulties making interest payments and funding our other fixed costs, and our available cash flow for general corporate requirements may be adversely affected.
On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The discontinuation date for submission and publication of rates for certain tenors of USD LIBOR (1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month) was subsequently extended by the ICE Benchmark Administration (the administrator of LIBOR) until June 30, 2023. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. The2023. Similarly, it is not possible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR, or what effect these changes in views or alternatives may have on financial markets for LIBOR-linked financial instruments. While the U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, is considering replacinghas chosen the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) as the recommended risk-free reference rate for the U.S. dollar LIBOR with a newly created index, calculated(calculated based on repurchase agreements backed by treasury securities.securities), we cannot currently predict the extent to which this index will gain widespread acceptance as a replacement for LIBOR. It is not possible to predict the effect of these changes, other reforms or the establishment of alternative reference rates in the United Kingdom, the United States or elsewhere. See also the discussion of interest rate risk in Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk –“Interest.”
These obligations also impact our ability to obtain additional financing, if needed, and our flexibilityWe may in the conduct offuture pursue amendments to our business, and could materially adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
We will needLIBOR-based debt transactions to obtain sufficient financingprovide for a transaction mechanism or other capitalreference rate in anticipation of LIBOR’s discontinuation, but we may not be able to operate successfully.
Our business plan contemplates continued significant investments related to modernizingreach agreement with our fleet, improving the experience of our customers and updating our facilities. Significant capital resources will be required to execute this plan. We estimate that, basedlenders on our commitments asany such amendments. As of December 31, 2018, our planned aggregate expenditures for aircraft purchase commitments and certain engines2021, we had $10.9 billion of borrowings based on LIBOR. The replacement of LIBOR with a consolidated basis for calendar years 2019-2023 would be approximately $8.4 billion. Accordingly, we will need substantial financingcomparable or other capital resources to finance such aircraft and engines. If we are unable to arrange financing for such aircraft and engines at customary advance rates and on terms and conditions acceptable to us, we may need to use cash from operations or cash on hand to purchase such aircraft and engines or may seek to negotiate deferrals for such aircraft and engines withsuccessor rate could cause the applicable aircraft and engine manufacturers. Depending on numerous factors applicable at the time we seek capital, manyamount of which are out of our control, such as the state of the domestic and global economies, the capital and credit markets’ view of our prospects and the airline industry in general, and the general availability of debt and equity capital, the financing or other capital resources that we will need may not be available to us, or may be available only on onerous terms and conditions. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining financing or other needed sources of capital to operate successfully. An inability to obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms would have a material adverse impactinterest payable on our business, results of operations and financial condition.long-term debt to be different or higher than expected.
We have significant pension and other postretirement benefit funding obligations, which may adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Our pension funding obligations are significant. The amount of theseour pension funding obligations will depend on the performance of investments held in trust by the pension plans, interest rates for determining liabilities and actuarial experience. The minimumIn January 2021, we made $241 million in contributions to our pension plans, including a contribution of $130 million for the 2020 calendar year that was permitted to be deferred to January 4, 2021 as provided under the CARES Act. On March 11, 2021, the ARP was enacted, which included funding obligationrelief provisions benefiting single employer qualified retirement benefit pension plans such as those sponsored by American. Based on the ARP provisions applicable to our pension plans, was subject to favorable temporarywe will have no additional funding rules that expired at the end of 2017 and, as a result, our minimum pension funding obligations will increase materially beginning in 2019. In addition, we mayrequirements until 2023. We also have significant obligations for other postretirement benefits, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits.
Additionally, we participate in the IAM National Pension Fund (the IAM Pension Fund). The funding status of the IAM Pension Fund is subject to the risk that other employers may not meet their obligations, which under certain circumstances could cause our obligations to increase. On March 29, 2019, the actuary for the IAM Pension Fund certified that the fund was in “endangered” status despite reporting a funded status of over 80%. Additionally, the IAM Pension Fund’s Board voluntarily elected to enter into “critical” status on April 17, 2019. Upon entry into critical status, the IAM Pension Fund was required by law to adopt a rehabilitation plan aimed at restoring the financial health of the pension plan and did so on April 17, 2019 (the Rehabilitation Plan). Under the Rehabilitation Plan, American was subject to an immaterial contribution surcharge, which ceased to apply June 14, 2019 upon American’s mandatory adoption of a
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contribution schedule under the Rehabilitation Plan. The contribution schedule requires 2.5% annual increases to its contribution rate. This contribution schedule will remain in effect through the earlier of December 31, 2031 or the date the IAM Pension Fund emerges from critical status. Furthermore, if we were to withdraw from the IAM Pension Fund, if the IAM Pension fund were to terminate, or if the IAM Pension Fund were to undergo a mass withdrawal, we could be subject to liability as imposed by law.
If our financial condition worsens, provisions in our credit card processing and other commercial agreements may adversely affect our liquidity.
We have agreements with companies that process customer credit card transactions for the sale of air travel and other services. These agreements allow these credit card processing companies, under certain conditions (including, with respect to certain agreements, theour failure of American to maintain certain levels of liquidity), to hold an amount of our cash (a(referred to as a holdback) equal to some or all of the advance ticket sales that have been processed by that credit card processor, but for which we have not yet provided the air transportation. Additionally, such credit card processing companies may require cash or other collateral reserves to be established. These credit card processing companies are not currently entitled to maintain any holdbacks pursuant to these requirements. These holdback requirements can be modified at the discretion of the credit card processing companies upon the occurrence of specific events, including material adverse changes in our financial condition. Ancondition or the triggering of a liquidity covenant. In light of the effect the COVID-19 pandemic is having on demand for air travel and, in turn, capacity, we have seen an increase in demand from consumers for refunds on their tickets, and we anticipate this will continue to be the current holdbacks,case for the near future. Requests for refunds and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our longer-term financial performance may reduce our liquidity and cause us to be forced to post cash or other collateral with the credit card processing companies in respect of advance ticket sales. The imposition of holdback requirements, up to and including 100% of relevant advanced ticket sales, would materially reduce our liquidity. Likewise, other of our commercial agreements contain provisions that allow other entities to impose less-favorable terms, including the acceleration of amounts due, in the event of material adverse changes in our financial condition. For example, we maintain certain letters of credit, insurance- and surety-related agreements under which counterparties may require collateral, including cash collateral.

The loss of key personnel upon whom we depend to operate our business or the inability to attract and develop additional qualified personnel could adversely affect our business.

We believe that our future success will depend in large part on our ability to attract, develop and retain highly qualified management, technical and other personnel. Retaining and recruiting people with the appropriate skills is particularly challenging as the economy in general, and the airline industry in particular, continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in competition for the human resources necessary to operate our business successfully. We may not be successful in attracting, developing or retaining key personnel or other highly qualified personnel. Among other things, the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP impose significant restrictions on executive compensation, which will remain in place until April 1, 2023. Such restrictions, over time, will likely result in lower executive compensation in the airline industry than is prevailing in other industries, creating increasing retention challenges in the case of executives presented with alternative, non-airline opportunities. In addition, we currently have a significantly smaller workforce than we did prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the demand for leisure travel, in particular domestically, accelerated during 2021. Competition for skilled personnel has intensified and may continue to intensify if overall industry capacity continues to increase and/or we were to incur attrition at levels higher than we have historically. Any inability to attract, develop and retain significant numbers of qualified management and other personnel would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business has been and will continue to be affected by many changing economic and other conditions beyond our control, including global events that affect travel behavior, and our results of operations could be volatile and fluctuate due to seasonality.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition have been and will continue to be affected by many changing economic and other conditions beyond our control, including, among others:
the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
actual or potential changes in international, national, regional and local economic, business and financial conditions, including recession, inflation and higher interest rates;
the occurrence of wars, terrorist attacks and political instability;
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changes in consumer preferences, perceptions, spending patterns and demographic trends;
changes in the competitive environment due to industry consolidation, changes in airline alliance affiliations, and other factors;
actual or potential disruptions to the U.S. National Airspace System (the ATC system);
increases in costs of safety, security, and environmental measures;
outbreaks of diseases that affect travel behavior; and
weather and natural disasters, including increases in frequency, severity or duration of such disasters, and related costs caused by more severe weather due to climate change.
In addition to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an outbreak of another contagious disease—such as has occurred in the past with the Ebola virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, H1N1 influenza virus, avian flu, Zika virus or any other similar illness—if it were to become associated with air travel or persist for an extended period, could materially affect the airline industry and us by reducing revenues and adversely impacting our operations and passengers’ travel behavior. See also "The outbreak and global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel which has adversely impacted our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity. The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and similar public health threats that we may face in the future, could result in additional adverse effects on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity.” As a result of these or other conditions beyond our control, our results of operations could be volatile and subject to rapid and unexpected change. In addition, due to generally weaker demand for air travel during the winter, our revenues in the first and fourth quarters of the year could be weaker than revenues in the second and third quarters of the year.
Union disputes, employee strikes and other labor-related disruptions, or our inability to otherwise maintain labor costs at competitive levels may adversely affect our operations and financial performance.
Relations between air carriers and labor unions in the U.S. are governed by the RLA. Under the RLA, CBAs generally contain “amendable dates” rather than expiration dates, and the RLA requires that a carrier maintain the existing terms and conditions of employment following the amendable date through a multi-stage and usually lengthy series of bargaining processes overseen by the NMB. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 86% of our employees were represented for collective bargaining purposes by labor unions, and 45% were covered by CBAs that are currently amendable or that will become amendable within one year. For the dates that the CBAs with our major work groups become amendable under the RLA, see Part I, Item 1. Business – Employees and Our PeopleLabor Relations.”
In the case of a CBA that is amendable under the RLA, if no agreement is reached during direct negotiations between the parties, either party may request that the NMB appoint a federal mediator. The RLA prescribes no timetable for the direct negotiation and mediation processes, and it is not unusual for those processes to last for many months or even several years. If no agreement is reached in mediation, the NMB in its discretion may declare that an impasse exists and proffer binding arbitration to the parties. Either party may decline to submit to arbitration, and if arbitration is rejected by either party, a 30-day “cooling off” period commences. During or after that period, a PEB may be established, which examines the parties’ positions and recommends a solution. The PEB process lasts for 30 days and is followed by another 30-day “cooling off” period. At the end of athis “cooling off” period, unless an agreement is reached or action is taken by Congress, the labor organization may exercise “self-help,” such as a strike, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
None of the unions representing our employees presently may lawfully engage in concerted slowdowns or refusals to work, such as strikes, sick-outs or other similar activity, against us. Nonetheless, there is a risk that disgruntled employees, either with or without union involvement, could engage in one or more concerted refusals to work that could individually or collectively harm the operation of our airline and impair our financial performance. Additionally, some of our unions have brought and may continue to bring grievances to binding arbitration, including those related to wages. If successful, there is a risk these judicial or arbitral avenues could result in material additional costs that we did not anticipate. See also Part I, Item 1. Business – Employees and Our PeopleLabor Relations.Relations.
As
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Table of December 31, 2018, approximately 84% of our employees were represented for collective bargaining purposes by labor unions. Contents
Currently, we believe our labor costs are generally competitive relative to the other large network carriers. However, we cannot provide assurance that labor costs going forward will remain competitive because we are in negotiations for someseveral important new labor agreements now and other agreements mayare scheduled to become amendable, competitors may significantly reduce their labor costs or we may agree to higher-cost provisions unilaterally or in connection with our current or future labor negotiations.
Interruptions or disruptions in service at one of our key facilities could have a material adverse impact on our operations.
We operate principally through hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. Substantially all of our flights either originate at or fly into one of these locations. A significant interruption or disruption in service at one of our hubs or other airports where we have a significant presence, such as LHR, resulting from ATC delays, weather conditions, natural disasters, growth constraints, performance by third-party service providers (such as electric utility or telecommunications providers), failure of computer systems, disruptions at airport facilities or other key facilities used by us to manage our operations (such as occurred in the United Kingdom at LGW on December 20, 2018 and LHR on January 8, 2019 due to unauthorized drone activity), labor relations, power supplies, fuel supplies, terrorist activities, or otherwise could result in the cancellation or delay of a significant portion of our flights and, as a result, could have a severe impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have limited control, particularly in the short-term, over the operation, quality or maintenance of many of the services on which our operations depend and over whether vendors of such services will improve or continue to provide services that are essential to our business.
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, which may have a material adverse impact on our operations.
In order to operate our existing and proposed flight schedule and, where desirable, add service along new or existing routes, we must be able to maintain and/or obtain adequate gates, check-in counters, operations areas, operations control facilities and administrative support space. As airports around the world become more congested, it may not be possible for us to ensure that our plans for new service can be implemented in a commercially viable manner, given operating constraints at airports throughout our network, including those imposed by inadequate facilities at desirable airports.


In light of constraints on existing facilities, there is presently a significant amount of capital spending underway at major airports in the United States, including large projects underway at a number of airports where we have significant operations, such as ORD, LAX, LGA and DCA. This spending is expected to result in increased costs to airlines and the traveling public that use those facilities as the airports seek to recover their investments through increased rental, landing and other facility costs. In some circumstances, such costs could be imposed by the relevant airport authority without our approval. Accordingly, our operating costs are expected to increase significantly at many airports at which we operate, including a number of our hubs and gateways, as a result of capital spending projects currently underway and additional projects that we expect to commence over the next several years.
In addition, operations at three major domestic airports, certain smaller domestic airports and many foreign airports served by us are regulated by governmental entities through the use of slots or similar regulatory mechanisms that limit the rights of carriers to conduct operations at those airports. Each slot represents the authorization to land at or take off from the particular airport during a specified time period and may have other operational restrictions as well. In the U.S., the DOT and the FAA currently regulate the allocation of slots or slot exemptions at DCA and two New York City airports: JFK and LGA. Our operations at these airports generally require the allocation of slots or similar regulatory authority. In addition to slot restrictions, operations at LGA and DCA are also limited based on a so-called “perimeter rule” which generally limits the stage length of the flights that can be operated from those airports to 1,500 and 1,250 miles, respectively. Similarly, our operations at LHR, international airports in Beijing, Frankfurt, Paris, Tokyo and other airports outside the U.S. are regulated by local slot authorities pursuant to the IATA Worldwide Scheduling Guidelines and/or applicable local law. Termination of slot controls at some or all of the foregoing airports could affect our operational performance and competitive position. We currently have sufficient slots or analogous authorizations to operate our existing flights and we have generally, but not always, been able to obtain the rights to expand our operations and to change our schedules. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain sufficient slots or analogous authorizations in the future or as to the cost of acquiring such rights because, among other reasons, such allocations are often sought after by other airlines and are subject to changes in governmental policies. We cannot provide any assurance that regulatory changes regarding the allocation of slots, the continued enforcement of a perimeter rule or similar regulatory authority will not have a material adverse impact on our operations.
Our ability to provide service can also be impaired at airports, such as ORD and LAX where the airport gate and other facilities are currently inadequate to accommodate all of the service that we would like to provide, or airports such as Dallas Love Field Airport where we have no access to gates at all.
Any limitation on our ability to acquire or maintain adequate gates, ticketing facilities, operations areas, operations control facilities, slots (where applicable), or office space could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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.
A significant portion of our regional operations are conducted by third-party operators on our behalf, substantially all of which are provided for under capacity purchase agreements. Due to our reliance on third parties to provide these essential services, we are subject to the risk of disruptions to their operations, which has in the past and may in the future result from many of the same risk factors disclosed in this report, such as the impact of adverse economic conditions, the inability of third parties to hire or retain skilled personnel, including in particular pilots and mechanics, and other risk factors, such as an out-of-court or bankruptcy restructuring of any of our regional operators. ManySeveral of these third-party regional operators provide significant regional capacity that we would be unable to replace in a short period of time should that operator fail to perform its obligations to us. Disruptions to capital markets, shortages of pilots, mechanics and other skilled personnel and adverse economic conditions in general have subjected certain of these third-party regional operators to significant financial pressures, which have in the past and may in the future lead to bankruptcies among these operators. In particular, the severe decline in demand for air travel resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental restrictions on travel have materially impacted demand for services provided by our regional carriers and, as a result, we temporarily significantly reduced our regional capacity. We expect the disruption to services resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to adversely affect our regional operators, some of whom may experience significant financial stress, declare bankruptcy or otherwise cease to operate. We may also experience disruption to our regional operations or incur financial damages if we terminate the capacity purchase agreement with one or more of our current operators andor transition the services to another provider. Any significant disruption to our regional operations would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, our reliance upon others to provide essential services on behalf of our operations may result in our relative inability to control the efficiency and timeliness of contract services. We have entered into agreements with contractors to provide various facilities and services required for our operations, including distribution and sale of airline seat inventory, reservations, provision of information technology and services, regional operations, aircraft maintenance, ground services and facilities and baggage handling. Similar agreements may be entered into in any new markets we decide to serve. These agreements are generally subject to termination after notice by the third-party service provider. We are also at risk should one


of these service providers cease operations, and there is no guarantee that we could replace these providers on a timely basis with comparably priced providers, or at all. These third parties are also facing challenges retaining and recruiting people with the appropriate skills to meet our requirements as the economy in general, and the airline industry in particular, continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Any material problems with the adequacy, efficiency and timeliness of contract services, resulting from financial hardships, personnel shortages or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The commercial relationships that we have with airlines, includingAny damage to our reputation or brand image could adversely affect our business or financial results.
Maintaining a good reputation globally is critical to our business. Our reputation or brand image could be adversely impacted by, among other things, any related equity investment, may not produce the returns or results we expect.
An important partfailure to maintain high ethical, social and environmental sustainability practices for all of our strategyoperations and activities, our impact on the environment, public pressure from investors or policy groups to expandchange our network has been to expand our commercial relationships with other airlines,policies, such as movements to institute a “living wage,” customer perceptions of our advertising campaigns, sponsorship arrangements or marketing programs, customer perceptions of our use of social media, or customer perceptions of statements made by entering into global alliance, jointus, our employees and executives, agents or other third parties. In addition, we operate in a highly visible industry that has significant exposure to social media. Negative publicity, including as a result of misconduct by our customers, vendors or employees, can spread rapidly through social media. Should we not respond in a timely and appropriate manner to address negative publicity, our brand and reputation may be significantly harmed. Damage to our reputation or brand image or loss of customer confidence in our services could adversely affect our business and codeshare relationships,financial results, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.
Moreover, the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 have adversely impacted consumer perceptions of the health and safety of travel, and in one recent instance involving China Southern Airlines, by making a significant equity investment in anotherparticular airline in connection with initiating such a commercial relationship. We may explore similar non-controlling investments in,travel, and joint ventures and strategic alliances with, other carriers as partthese negative perceptions could continue even after the pandemic subsides. Actual or perceived risk of our global business strategy. We face competition in forming these commercial relationships since there are a limited number of potential arrangements and other airlines are looking to enter into similar relationships. Any such existing or future investment could involve significant challenges and risks, including that we may not realize a satisfactory returninfection on our investment or that theyflights has had, and may not generate the expected revenue synergies. These events couldcontinue to have, a material adverse effect
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on our business, resultsthe public's perception of operationsus, which has harmed, and financial condition.
We rely on third-party distribution channels and must manage effectively the costs, rights and functionality of these channels.
We rely on third-party distribution channels, including those provided by or through global distribution systems (GDSs) (e.g., Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport), conventional travel agents, travel management companies and online travel agents (OTAs) (e.g., Expedia, including its booking sites Orbitz and Travelocity, and The Priceline Group), to distribute a significant portion of our airline tickets, and we expect in the future tomay continue to rely on these channels.harm, our reputation and business. We are also dependent uponhave taken various measures to reassure our team members and the ability and willingnesstraveling public of these distribution channels to expand their ability to distribute and collect revenues for ancillary products (e.g., fees for selective seating). These distribution channels are more expensive and at present have less functionality in respectthe safety of ancillary product offerings than those we operate ourselves, such as our website at www.aa.com. Certain of these distribution channels also effectively restrict the manner in which we distribute our products generally. To remain competitive, we will need to manage successfully our distribution costs and rights, increase our distribution flexibility and improve the functionality of our distribution channels, while maintaining an industry-competitive cost structure. Further, as distribution technology changes we will need to continue to update our technology by acquiring new technology from third parties, building the functionality ourselves, or a combination, which in any event will likely entail significant technological and commercial risk and involve potentially material investments. These imperatives may affect our relationships with conventional travel agents, travel management companies, GDSs and OTAs, including if consolidation of conventional travel agents, travel management companies, GDSs or OTAs continues, or should any of these parties seek to acquire other technology providers thereby potentially limiting our technology alternatives, such as the proposed acquisition of Farelogix by Sabre. Any inability to manage our third-party distribution costs, rights and functionality at a competitive level or any material diminishment or disruption in the distribution of our tickets could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business is subject to extensive government regulation, which may result in increases in our costs, disruptions to our operations, limits on our operating flexibility, reductions in the demand for air travel, including requirements that passengers wear face coverings, the provision of protective equipment for team members and competitive disadvantages.
Airlines are subject to extensive domestic and international regulatory requirements. In the last several years, Congress has passed laws, and the DOT, the FAA, the TSA and the DHS have issued a number of directives and other regulations, that affect the airline industry. These requirements impose substantial costs on us and restrict the ways we may conduct our business.
For example, the FAA from time to time issues directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft that require significant expenditures or operational restrictions. These requirements can be issued with little or no notice, or can otherwise impact our ability to efficiently or fully utilize ourenhanced cleaning procedures onboard aircraft and in some instancesairports. We expect that we will continue to incur COVID-19 related costs as we sanitize aircraft, implement additional hygiene-related protocols and take other actions to limit the threat of infection among our employees and passengers. However, we cannot assure that these or any other actions we might take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be sufficient to restore the confidence of consumers in the safety of air travel. In addition, as a result of mask mandates and other mitigating measures that airports and carriers have been required by law to implement to limit the spread of COVID-19, we have experienced an increase in the incidence of aggressive customer behavior and physical confrontation on our flights, certain of which have resulted in injuries to our personnel. If our employees feel unsafe or believe that we are not doing enough to prevent and prosecute these incidents, we could experience higher rates of employee absence and we may suffer reputational harm which could make it more difficult to attract and retain employees, and which could in turn negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are at risk of losses and adverse publicity stemming from any public incident involving our company, our people or our brand, including any accident or other public incident involving our personnel or aircraft, or the temporary groundingpersonnel or aircraft of our regional, codeshare or joint business operators.
We are at risk of adverse publicity stemming from any public incident involving our company, our people or our brand, particularly given the ease with which individuals can now capture and rapidly disseminate news via social media. Such an incident could involve the actual or alleged behavior of any of our employees, contractors or passengers. Further, if our personnel, one of our aircraft, a type of aircraft types altogether,in our fleet, or otherwise caused substantial disruption and resulted in material costs to us and lost revenues. The FAA also exercises comprehensive regulatory authority over nearly all technical aspectspersonnel of, or an aircraft that is operated under our brand by, one of our operations. Our failure to complyregional operators or an airline with such requirements has in the past and may in the future result in fines and other enforcement actions by the FAA or other regulators. In the future, any new regulatory requirements, particularly requirements that limit our ability to operate or price our products, couldwhich we have a material adverse effect on us and the industry.


DOT consumer rules dictate procedures for customer handling during long onboard delays, further regulate airline interactions with passengers, including passengers with disabilities, through the ticketing process, at the airport, and onboard the aircraft, and require disclosures concerning airline fares and ancillary fees such as baggage fees. Other DOT rules apply to post-ticket purchase price increases and an expansion of tarmac delay regulations to international airlines.
The Aviation and Transportation Security Act mandates the federalization of certain airport security procedures and imposes additional security requirements on airports and airlines, most of which are funded by a per-ticket tax on passengers and a tax on airlines. Present and potential future security requirements can have the effect of imposing costs and inconvenience on travelers, potentially reducing the demand for air travel.
The results of our operations, demand for air travel, and the manner in which we conductmarketing alliance, joint business each may be affected by changes in law and future actions taken by governmental agencies, including:
changes in law that affect the services that can be offered by airlines in particular markets and at particular airports, or the types of fares offered or fees that can be charged to passengers;
the granting and timing of certain governmental approvals (including antitrust or foreign government approvals) needed for codesharing alliances, joint businesses and other arrangements with other airlines;
restrictions on competitive practices (for example, court orders, or agency regulations or orders, that would curtail an airline’s ability to respond to a competitor);
the adoption of new passenger security standards or regulations that impact customer service standards;
restrictions on airport operations, such as restrictions on the use of slots at airports or the auction or reallocation of slot rights currently held by us; and
the adoption of more restrictive locally-imposed noise restrictions.
Each additional regulation or other form of regulatory oversight increases costs and adds greater complexity to airline operations and, in some cases, may reduce the demand for air travel. There can be no assurance that our compliance with new rules, anticipated rules or other forms of regulatory oversight will not have a material adverse effect on us.
Any significant reduction in air traffic capacity at and in the airspace serving key airports in the U.S. or overseas could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the United States National Airspace System (the ATC system) is not successfully modernizing to meet the growing demand for U.S. air travel. Air traffic controllers rely on outdated procedures and technologies that routinely compel airlines to fly inefficient routes or take significant delays on the ground. The ATC system’s inability to manage existing travel demand has led government agencies to implement short-term capacity constraints during peak travel periods or adverse weather conditions in certain markets, resulting in delays and disruptions of air traffic. The outdated technologies also cause the ATC system to be less resilient in the event of a failure. For example, an automation failure and an evacuation, in 2015 and 2017, respectively, at the Washington Air Route Control Center resulted in cancellations and delays of hundreds of flights traversing the greater Washington, D.C. airspace.
In the early 2000s, the FAA embarked on a path to modernize the national airspace system, including migration from the current radar-based ATC system to a GPS-based system. This modernization of the ATC system, generally referred to as “NextGen,” has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, and it remains uncertain when the full array of benefits expected from this modernization will be available to the public and the airlines. Failure to update the ATC system in a timely manner and the substantial costs that may be imposed on airlines in order to fund a modernized ATC system may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Further, our business has been adversely impacted when government agencies have ceased to operate as expected including due to partial shut-downs, sequestrations or similar events. These events have resulted in, among other things, reduced demand for air travel, an actual or perceived reduction in ATC and security screening resources and related travel delays, as well as disruption in the ability of the FAA to grant required regulatory approvals, such as are involved when a new aircraft is first placed into service.
Our operating authority in international markets is subject to aviation agreements between the U.S. and the respective countries or governmental authorities, such as the EU, and in some cases, fares and schedules require the approval of the DOT and/or the relevant foreign governments. Moreover, alliances with international carriers may be subject to the jurisdiction and regulations of various foreign agencies. The U.S. government has negotiated “open skies” agreements with many


countries, which allow unrestricted route authority access between the U.S. and the foreign markets. While the U.S. has worked to increase the number of countries with which open skies agreements are in effect, a number of markets important to us, including China, do not have open skies agreements. For example, the open skies air services agreement between the U.S. and the EU, which took effect in March 2008, provides airlines from the U.S. and EU member states open access to each other’s markets, with freedom of pricing and unlimited rights to fly from the U.S. to any airport in the EU, including LHR. As a result of the agreement and a subsequent open skies agreement involving the U.S. and the United Kingdom, which was agreed in anticipation of Brexit, we face increased competition in these markets, including LHR. Bilateral and multilateral agreements among the U.S. and various foreign governments of countries we serve but which are not covered by an open skies treaty are subject to periodic renegotiation. We currently operate a number of international routes under government arrangements that limit the number of airlines permitted to operate on the route, the capacity of the airlines providing services on the route, or the number of airlines allowed access to particular airports. If an open skies policycodeshare relationship, were to be adopted forinvolved in a public incident, accident, catastrophe or regulatory enforcement action, we could be exposed to significant reputational harm and potential legal liability. The insurance we carry may be inapplicable or inadequate to cover any such incident, accident, catastrophe or action. In the event that our insurance is inapplicable or inadequate, we may be forced to bear substantial losses from an incident or accident. In addition, any such incident, accident, catastrophe or action involving our personnel, one of these markets, itour aircraft (or personnel and aircraft of our regional operators and our codeshare partners), or a type of aircraft in our fleet could have a materialcreate an adverse impact on us andpublic perception, which could harm our reputation, result in the impairment of material amountsair travelers being reluctant to fly on our aircraft or those of our related tangibleregional operators or codeshare partners, and intangible assets. In addition, competition from foreign airlines, revenue-sharing joint ventures, JBAs, and other alliance arrangements by and among other airlines could impair the value of our business and assets on the open skies routes.
The pending withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU, commonly referred to as Brexit, is currently scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019 and will mandate further modification in the current regulatory regime. We face risks associated with the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU, notably given the extent of our passenger and cargo traffic and that of our joint business partners that flows through LHR in the United Kingdom. Absent an approved withdrawal agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU (resulting in the so-called “No Deal Brexit” scenario), our expectation is that air services (including those involving our joint business and code share partners) will continue substantially as we currently conduct them, at least for a transition period, in reliance on reciprocal “basic connectivity” traffic rights proposed by the EU and the United Kingdom and a new air services agreement between the U.S. and United Kingdom concluded on November 29, 2018. However, the precise scope of traffic rights between the EU and the United Kingdom remains uncertain and therefore the continuation of our current services is not assured and could be subject to disruption. If Brexit is accomplished pursuant to a withdrawal agreement consistent with the agreement presently being discussed between the United Kingdom and the EU, but which has yet to be approved by the United Kingdom, our current air services would continue as we currently conduct them during a transition period running through the end of 2020, with a potential extension of up to two years. During that transition period, the United Kingdom and the EU would seek to implement a new air services agreement. We cannot predict the terms of any such successor air services agreement or whether changes in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU, including whether or not the United Kingdom withdraws from the EU with or without an agreement, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. More generally, changes in U.S. or foreign government aviation policies could result in the alteration or termination of such agreements, diminish the value of route authorities, slots or other assets located abroad, or otherwise adversely affect our international operations.
The airline industry is heavily taxed.
The airline industry is subject to extensive government fees and taxation that negatively impact our revenue and profitability. The U.S. airline industry is one of the most heavily taxed of all industries. These fees and taxes have grown significantly in the past decade for domestic flights, and various U.S. fees and taxes also are assessed on international flights. For example, as permitted by federal legislation, most major U.S. airports impose a passenger facility charge per passenger on us. In addition, the governments of foreign countries in which we operate impose on U.S. airlines, including us, various fees and taxes, and these assessments have been increasing in number and amount in recent years. Moreover, we are obligated to collect a federal excise tax, commonly referred to as the “ticket tax,” on domestic and international air transportation. We collect the excise tax, along with certain other U.S. and foreign taxes and user fees on air transportation (such as passenger security fees), and pass along the collected amounts to the appropriate governmental agencies. Although these taxes and fees are not our operating expenses, they represent an additional cost to our customers. There are continuing efforts in Congress and in other countries to raise different portions of the various taxes, fees, and charges imposed on airlines and their passengers, including the passenger facility charge, and we may not be able to recover all of these charges from our customers. Increases in such taxes, fees and charges could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Under DOT regulations, all governmental taxes and fees must be included in the prices we quote or advertise to our customers. Due to the competitive revenue environment, many increases in these fees and taxes have been absorbed by the airline industry rather than being passed on to the customer. Further increases in fees and taxes may reduce demand for air travel, and thus our revenues.


Recent U.S. tax legislation may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Recently enacted U.S. tax legislation has significantly changed the U.S. federal income taxation of U.S. corporations, including by reducing the U.S. corporate income tax rate, limiting interest deductions, permitting immediate expensing of certain capital expenditures, adopting elements of a territorial tax system, revising the rules governing net operating losses (NOLs) and the rules governing foreign tax credits and introducing new anti-base erosion provisions. Many of these changes became effective immediately, without any transition periods or grandfathering for existing transactions. The legislation is unclear in many respects and could be subject to potential amendments and technical corrections, as well as interpretations and implementation regulations by the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service, any of which could materially affect the impacts of the legislation. In addition, it is unclear how these U.S. federal income tax changes will affect state and local taxation, which often uses federal taxable income as a starting point for computing state and local tax liabilities. While some of the changes made by the tax legislation may adversely affect us in one or more reporting periods and prospectively, other changes may be beneficial on a going forward basis.
See Note 7 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 5 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional information on income taxes.
Changes to our business model that are designed to increase revenues may not be successful and may cause operational difficulties or decreased demand.
We have recentlyin the past instituted, and intend to institute in the future, changes to our business model designed to increase revenues and offset costs. These measures include further segmentation of the classes of services we offer, such as Premium Economy service and Basic Economy service, enhancements to our AAdvantage loyalty program, charging separately for services that had previously been included within the price of a ticket, changing (whether it be increasing, decreasing or eliminating) other pre-existing fees, reconfiguration of our aircraft cabins, and efforts to optimize our network including by focusing growth on a limited number of large hubs.hubs and entering into agreements with other airlines. For example, in 2020, we eliminated change fees for most domestic and international tickets, which has reduced our change fee revenue, a trend which is expected to continue as demand for air travel recovers, assuming this change remains in place. We may introduce additional initiatives in the future; however, as time goes on, we expect that it will be more difficult to identify and implement additional initiatives. We cannot assure you that these measures or any future initiatives will be successful in increasing our revenues.revenues or offsetting our costs. Additionally, the implementation of these initiatives may create logistical challenges that could harm the operational performance of our airline or result in decreased demand. Also, our implementation of any new or increased fees might result in adverse brand perceptions or reputational harm, and could reduce the demand for air travel on our airline or across the industry in general, particularly if weakened economic conditions make our customers more sensitive to increased travel costs or provide a significant competitive advantage to other carriers that determine not to institute similar charges.
The loss
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Table of key personnel upon whom we depend to operate our business or the inability to attract additional qualified personnel could adversely affect our business.Contents
We believe that our future success will depend in large part on our ability to retain or attract highly qualified management, technical and other personnel. We may not be successful in retaining key personnel or in attracting other highly qualified personnel. Any inability to retain or attract significant numbers of qualified management and other personnel would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be adversely affected by conflicts overseas or terrorist attacks; the travel industry continues to face ongoing security concerns.
Acts of terrorism or fear of such attacks, including elevated national threat warnings, wars or other military conflicts, may depress air travel, particularly on international routes, and cause declines in revenues and increases in costs. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and continuing terrorist threats, attacks and attempted attacks materially impacted and continue to impact air travel. Increased security procedures introduced at airports since the attacks of September 11, 2001 and any other such measures that may be introduced in the future generate higher operating costs for airlines. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act mandated improved flight deck security, deployment of federal air marshals on board flights, improved airport perimeter access security, airline crew security training, enhanced security screening of passengers, baggage, cargo, mail, employees and vendors, enhanced training and qualifications of security screening personnel, additional provision of passenger data to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and enhanced background checks. A concurrent increase in airport security charges and procedures, such as restrictions on carry-on baggage, has also had and may continue to have a disproportionate impact on short-haul travel, which constitutes a significant portion of our flying and revenue. Implementation of and compliance with increasingly-complex security and customs requirements will continue to result in increased costs for us and our passengers, and have caused and likely will continue to cause periodic service disruptions and delays. We have at times found it necessary or desirable to make significant expenditures to comply with security-related requirements while seeking to reduce their impact on our customers, such as expenditures for automated security screening lines at airports. As a result of competitive pressure, and the need to improve security screening throughput


to support the pace of our operations, it is unlikely that we will be able to capture all security-related costs through increased fares. In addition, we cannot forecast what new security requirements may be imposed in the future, or their impact on our business.
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 operate a global business with significant operations outside of the U.S. Our current international activities and prospects have been and in the future could be adversely affected by government policies, reversals or delays in the opening of foreign markets, increased competition in international markets, the performance of our alliance, joint business and codeshare partners in a given market, exchange controls or other restrictions on repatriation of funds, currency and political risks (including changes in exchange rates and currency devaluations), environmental regulation, increases in taxes and fees and changes in international government regulation of our operations, including the inability to obtain or retain needed route authorities and/or slots. Fluctuations in foreign currencies, including devaluations, exchange controls and other restrictions on the repatriation of funds, have significantly affected and may continue to significantly affect our operating performance, liquidity and the value of any cash held outside the U.S. in local currency. Such fluctuations in foreign currencies, including devaluations, cannot be predicted by us and can significantly affect the value of our assets located outside the United States. These conditions, as well as any further delays, devaluations or imposition of more stringent repatriation restrictions, may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
More generally, much of the demand for international air travel is the result of business travel in support of global trade. Should protectionist governmental policies, such as increased tariff barriers, travel limitation and other actions, have the effect of reducing global commercial activity, the result could be a material decrease in the demand for international air travel.
The United Kingdom held a referendum in June 2016 regarding its membership in the EU in which a majority of the United Kingdom electorate voted in favor of the British government taking the necessary action for the United Kingdom to leave the EU, an event commonly referred to as Brexit. In March 2017, the United Kingdom served notice of its decision to withdraw from the EU, formally initiating the withdrawal process. Serving this notice began the two-year period for the United Kingdom to negotiate the terms for its withdrawal from the EU, currently scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019. We face risks associated with the uncertainty following the referendum and the consequences that may flow from the decision to exit the EU, notably given the extent of our passenger and cargo traffic and that of our joint business partners that flows through LHR in the United Kingdom. Absent an approved withdrawal agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU (resulting in the so-called “No Deal Brexit” scenario), our expectation is that air services (including those involving our joint business and code share partners) will continue substantially as we currently conduct them, at least for a transition period, in reliance on reciprocal “basic connectivity” traffic rights proposed by the EU and the United Kingdom and the new air services agreements between the U.S. and United Kingdom concluded on November 29, 2018. However, the precise scope of traffic rights between the EU and the United Kingdom remains uncertain and therefore the continuation is not assured and could be subject to disruption. If Brexit is accomplished pursuant to a withdrawal agreement consistent with the agreement presently being discussed between the United Kingdom and the EU, but which has yet to be approved by the United Kingdom, our current air services would continue as we currently conduct them during a transition period running through the end of 2020, with a potential extension of up to two years. During that transition period, the United Kingdom and the EU would seek to implement a new air services agreement. We cannot predict the terms of any such successor air services agreement or whether changes in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU, including whether or not the United Kingdom withdraws from the EU with or without an agreement, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Moreover, the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU could adversely affect European or worldwide economic or market conditions and could contribute to further instability in global financial markets. In addition, the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU has created uncertainty as to the future trade relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom, including air traffic services. LHR is presently a very important element of our international network, however it may become less desirable as a destination or as a hub location after Brexit when compared to other airports in Europe. The exit of the United Kingdom from the EU could also lead to legal and regulatory uncertainty such as the identity of the relevant regulators, new regulatory action and/or potentially divergent treaties, laws and regulations as the United Kingdom determines which EU treaties, laws and regulations to replace or replicate, including those governing aviation, labor, environmental, data protection/privacy, competition and other matters applicable to the provision of air transportation services by us or our alliance, joint business or codeshare partners. For example, in light of Brexit and the related possibility that the EC would no longer have regulatory responsibility for the United Kingdom when existing regulatory commitments are scheduled to expire in 2020, the United Kingdom CMA in October 2018 opened an investigation into our transatlantic JBA. We are cooperating fully with the CMA. The impact on our business of any treaties, laws and regulations that replace the existing EU counterparts, or other


governmental or regulatory actions taken by the United Kingdom or the EU in connection with or subsequent to Brexit, cannot be predicted, including whether or not regulators will continue to approve or impose material conditions on our business activities. Any of these effects, and others we cannot anticipate, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to many forms of environmental and noise regulation and may incur substantial costs as a result.
We are subject to increasingly stringent federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of the environment and noise reduction, including those relating to emissions to the air, discharges to surface and subsurface waters, safe drinking water, and the management of hazardous substances, oils and waste materials. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations can require significant expenditures, and violations can lead to significant fines and penalties.
We are also subject to other environmental laws and regulations, including those that require us to investigate and remediate soil or groundwater to meet certain remediation standards. Under federal law, generators of waste materials, and current and former owners or operators of facilities, can be subject to liability for investigation and remediation costs at locations that have been identified as requiring response actions. Liability under these laws may be strict, joint and several, meaning that we could be liable for the costs of cleaning up environmental contamination regardless of fault or the amount of waste directly attributable to us. We have liability for investigation and remediation costs at various sites, although such costs currently are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business.
We have various leases and agreements with respect to real property, tanks and pipelines with airports and other operators. Under these leases and agreements, we have agreed to indemnify the lessor or operator against environmental liabilities associated with the real property or operations described under the agreement, in some cases even if we are not the party responsible for the initial event that caused the environmental damage. We also participate in leases with other airlines in fuel consortiums and fuel committees at airports, where such indemnities are generally joint and several among the participating airlines.
Governmental authorities in several U.S. and foreign cities are also considering, or have already implemented, aircraft noise reduction programs, including the imposition of nighttime curfews and limitations on daytime take offs and landings. We have been able to accommodate local noise restrictions imposed to date, but our operations could be adversely affected if locally-imposed regulations become more restrictive or widespread.
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 consider our intellectual property rights, particularly our branding rights such as our trademarks applicable to our airline and AAdvantage loyalty program, to be a significant and valuable aspect of our business. We protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of trademark, copyright and other forms of legal protection, contractual agreements and policing of third-party misuses of our intellectual property. Our failure to obtain or adequately protect our intellectual property or any change in law that lessens or removes the current legal protections of our intellectual property may diminish our competitiveness and adversely affect our business and financial results. Any litigation or disputes regarding intellectual property may be costly and time-consuming and may divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations, either of which may adversely affect our business and financial results.
We are subject to risks associated with climate change, including increased regulation to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
There is increasing global regulatory focus on climate change and GHG emissions. Efforts by the EU in 2009 to regulate flights arriving from or departing for airports outside of the EU have been postponed as members of ICAO are negotiating a global agreement on GHG emissions from the aviation sector. In 2016, ICAO passed a resolution adopting CORSIA, which is a global, market-based emissions offset program intended to encourage carbon-neutral growth beyond 2020. CORSIA was supported by the board of Airlines for America (the principal U.S. airline trade association) and IATA (the principal international airline trade association), and by American and many other U.S. and foreign airlines. In March 2017, ICAO also adopted new aircraft certification standards to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft, which will apply to new aircraft type designs in 2020, and to aircraft type designs already in production as of 2023. On June 27, 2018, ICAO adopted standards pertaining to the collection and sharing of information on international aviation emissions beginning in 2019. Airline operators must prepare GHG monitoring plans by February 2019. CORSIA will increase operating costs for American and most other airlines, including other U.S. airlines that operate internationally, but the implementation of a global program, as compared to regional emission reduction schemes, should ensure that these costs will be more evenly applied to American and its


competitors since there will be a common global regulatory regime. CORSIA is expected to be implemented in phases, with information collection and sharing beginning in 2019, a pilot phase beginning in 2021, and the first phase beginning in 2024. Certain details still need to be developed and the impact of CORSIA cannot be fully predicted. While we do not anticipate any significant emissions allowance expenditures in 2019, compliance with CORSIA or similar emissions-related requirements could significantly increase our operating costs beginning in 2021 and beyond. Separately, the EU has established the ETS to regulate GHG emissions in the EU. The EU adopted a directive in 2008 under which each EU member state is required to extend the ETS to aviation operations. However, the EU ETS has never fully been imposed, in large part due to the effort to adopt CORSIA. The EU has extended its stay on the extra-territorial application of the EU ETS as applied to international flights to/from the EEA through year-end 2023, contingent on successful implementation of CORSIA. Thereafter, the EU will assess CORSIA implementation and decide the future status of the EU ETS as applied to international aviation to/from the EEA. The potential impact of CORSIA or other emissions-related requirements on our costs will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including baseline emissions, the price of emission allowances or offsets that American would need to acquire, the GHG efficiency of the American fleet, and the number of future American flights subject to such emissions-related requirements. These costs have not been completely defined and could fluctuate.
In 2019, the EPA could finalize a rule implementing aircraft engine GHG emission standards developed initially through ICAO. It is anticipated that the EPA rule will closely align with recent ICAO carbon dioxide emission standards. The new standards, which were supported by the airline industry and manufacturers, would apply to new type aircraft certified beginning in 2020, and would be phased in for newly manufactured existing aircraft type designs starting in 2023.
In addition, several stateswe have adopted or are considering initiatives to regulate GHG emissions, primarily through the planned development of GHG emissions inventories, regional GHG cap and trade programs or low carbon fuels programs. Depending on the scope of such regulation,used certain of our facilitiesbranding and operations, orAAdvantage loyalty program intellectual property as collateral for various financings (including the operationsAAdvantage Financing), which contain covenants that impose restrictions on the use of our suppliers, may be subject to additional operating and other permit requirements, likely resulting in increased operating costs.
In addition, in December 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, over 190 countries, including the United States, reached an agreement (the Paris Agreement) to reduce GHG emissions. While the United States has since announced that it will withdraw from the Paris Agreement and there is no express reference to aviation in the Paris Agreement, to the extent countries implement the Paris Agreement or impose other climate change regulations, either with respect to the aviation industry or with respect to related industries such as the aviation fuel industry, it could have an adverse direct or indirect effect on our business.
These regulatory efforts, both internationallyintellectual property and, in the U.S. atcase of the federal and state levels, are still developing, and we cannot yet determine what the final regulatory programs or their impact will be in the U.S., the EU or in other areas in which we do business. However, such climate change-related regulatory activity in the future may adversely affect our business and financial results by requiring us to reduce our emissions, purchase allowances or otherwise pay for our emissions. Such activity may also impact us indirectly by increasing our operating costs, including fuel costs.
Any damage to our reputation or brand image could adversely affect our business or financial results.
Maintaining a good reputation globally is critical to our business. Our reputation or brand image could be adversely impacted by any failure to maintain high ethical, social and environmental sustainability practices for all of our operations and activities, our impactAAdvantage Financing, on the environment, public pressure from investors or policy groups to change our policies, such as movements to institute a “living wage,” customer perceptions of our advertising campaigns, sponsorship arrangements or marketing programs, customer perceptions of our use of social media, or customer perceptions of statements made by us, our employees and executives, agents or other third parties. Damage to our reputation or brand image or loss of customer confidence in our services could adversely affect our business and financial results, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.


We face challenges in integrating our computer, communications and other technology systems.
Among the principal risks of integrating our businesses and operations are the risks relating to integrating various computer, communications and other technology systems that are necessary to operate US Airways and American as a single integrated business and to achieve cost synergies by eliminating redundancies. While we have to date successfully integrated many of our systems, including our customer reservations system and our pilot, flight attendant and fleet scheduling system, we still have to complete several additional important system integration or replacement projects. In a number of prior airline mergers, the integration of these systems or deployment of replacement systems has taken longer, been more disruptive and cost more than originally forecasted. The implementation process to integrate or replace these various systems will involve a number of risks that could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. New systems will replace multiple legacy systems and the related implementation will be a complex and time-consuming project involving substantial expenditures for implementation consultants, system hardware, software and implementation activities, as well as the transformation of business and financial processes.
We cannot assure you that our security measures, change control procedures or disaster recovery plans will be adequate to prevent disruptions or delays in connection with systems integration or replacement. Disruptions incertain amendments or changes to these systems could result in a disruption to our business and the loss of important data. Any of the foregoing could result in a materialAAdvantage loyalty program. These covenants may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We rely heavily on technology and automated systems to operate our business, and any failure of these technologies or systems could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are highly dependent on existing and emerging technology and automated systems to operate our business. These technologies and systems include our computerized airline reservation system, flight operations systems, financial planning, management and accounting systems, telecommunications systems, website, maintenance systems and check-in kiosks. In order for our operations to work efficiently, our website and reservation system must be able to accommodate a high volume of traffic, maintain secure information and deliver flight information, as well as issue electronic tickets and process critical financial information in a timely manner. Substantially all of our tickets are issued to passengers as electronic tickets. We depend on our reservation system, which is hosted and maintained under a long-term contract by a third-party service provider, to be able to issue, track and accept these electronic tickets. If our technologies or automated systems are not functioning or if our third-party service providers were to fail to adequately provide technical support, system maintenance or timely software upgrades for any one of our key existing systems, we could experience service disruptions or delays, which could harm our business and result in the loss of important data, increase our expenses and decrease our revenues. In the event that one or more of our primary technology or systems vendors goes into bankruptcy, ceases operations or fails to perform as promised, replacement services may not be readily available on a timely basis, at competitive rates or at all, and any transition time to a new system may be significant.
Our technologies and automated systems cannot be completely protected against events that are beyond our control, including natural disasters, power failures, terrorist attacks, cyber-attacks, data theft, equipment and software failures, computer viruses or telecommunications failures. Substantial or sustained system failures could cause service delays or failures and result in our customers purchasing tickets from other airlines. We cannot assure you that our security measures, change control procedures or disaster recovery plans are adequate to prevent disruptions or delays. Disruption in or changes to these technologies or systems could result in a disruption to our business and the loss of important data. Any of the foregoing could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are at risk of losses and adverse publicity stemming from any public incident involving our company, our people or our brand, including any accident or other public incident involving our personnel or aircraft, or the personnel or aircraft of our regional, codeshare or joint business operators.
In a modern world where news can be captured and travel rapidly, we are at risk of adverse publicity stemming from any public incident involving our company, our people or our brand. Such an incident could involve the actual or alleged behavior of any of our more than 125,000 employees. Further, if our personnel or one of our aircraft, or personnel of, or an aircraft that is operated under our brand by, one of our regional operators or an airline with which we have a marketing alliance, joint business or codeshare relationship, were to be involved in a public incident, accident or catastrophe, we could be exposed to significant reputational harm and potential legal liability. The insurance we carry may be inapplicable or inadequate to cover any such incident, accident or catastrophe. In the event that our insurance is inapplicable or not adequate, we may be forced to bear substantial losses from an incident or accident. In addition, any such incident, accident or catastrophe involving our personnel or one of our aircraft (or personnel and aircraft of our regional operators and our codeshare partners) could create an adverse public perception, which could harm our reputation, result in air travelers being reluctant to fly on our


aircraft or those of our regional operators or codeshare partners, and adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Delays in scheduled aircraft deliveries or other loss of anticipated fleet capacity, and failure of new aircraft to perform as expected, may adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The success of our business depends on, among other things, effectively managing the number and types of aircraft we operate. If for any reason we are unable to accept or secure deliveries of new aircraft on contractually scheduled delivery dates, this could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our failure to integrate newly purchased aircraft into our fleet as planned might require us to seek extensions of the terms for some leased aircraft or otherwise delay the exit of certain aircraft from our fleet. Such unanticipated extensions or delays may require us to operate existing aircraft beyond the point at which it is economically optimal to retire them, resulting in increased maintenance costs. If new aircraft orders are not filled on a timely basis, we could face higher operating costs than planned. In addition, if the aircraft we receive do not meet expected performance or quality standards, including with respect to fuel efficiency and reliability, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for aircraft, aircraft engines and parts.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for aircraft, aircraft engines and many aircraft and engine parts. For example, under our current fleet plan, by 2020 all of our mainline aircraft will have been manufactured by either Airbus or Boeing and all of our regional aircraft will have been manufactured by either Bombardier or Embraer. Further, our supplier base continues to consolidate as evidenced by the recent acquisition of Rockwell Collins by United Technologies, the recently completed transaction involving Airbus and Bombardier and the pending transaction involving Boeing and Embraer. Due to the limited number of these suppliers, we are vulnerable to any problems associated with the performance of their obligation to supply key aircraft, parts and engines, including design defects, mechanical problems, contractual performance by suppliers, adverse perception by the public that would result in customer avoidance of any of our aircraft or any action by the FAA or any other regulatory authority resulting in an inability to operate our aircraft, even temporarily.
Our business has been and will continue to be affected by many changing economic and other conditions beyond our control, including global events that affect travel behavior, and our results of operations could be volatile and fluctuate due to seasonality.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition have been and will continue to be affected by many changing economic and other conditions beyond our control, including, among others:
actual or potential changes in international, national, regional and local economic, business and financial conditions, including recession, inflation, higher interest rates, wars, terrorist attacks and political instability;
changes in consumer preferences, perceptions, spending patterns and demographic trends;
changes in the competitive environment due to industry consolidation, changes in airline alliance affiliations, and other factors;
actual or potential disruptions to the ATC systems;
increases in costs of safety, security, and environmental measures;
outbreaks of diseases that affect travel behavior; and
weather and natural disasters, including increases in such disasters and related costs caused by more severe weather due to climate change.
In particular, an outbreak of a contagious disease such as the Ebola virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, H1N1 influenza virus, avian flu, Zika virus or any other similar illness, if it were to become associated with air travel or persist for an extended period, could materially affect the airline industry and us by reducing revenues and adversely impacting our operations and passengers’ travel behavior. As a result of these or other conditions beyond our control, our results of operations could be volatile and subject to rapid and unexpected change. In addition, due to generally weaker demand for air travel during the winter, our revenues in the first and fourth quarters of the year could be weaker than revenues in the second and third quarters of the year.


A higher than normal number of pilot retirements, more stringent duty time regulations, increased flight hour requirement for commercial airline pilots, reductions in the number of military pilots entering the commercial workforce and other factors have caused a shortage of pilots that could materially adversely affect our business.
We currently have a higher than normal number of pilots eligible for retirement. Large numbers of pilots in the industry are approaching the FAA’s mandatory retirement age of 65. Our pilots and other employees are subject to rigorous certification standards, and our pilots and other crew members must adhere to flight time and rest requirements. Commencing in 2013, the minimum flight hour requirement to achieve a commercial pilot’s license in the United States (an Air Transport Pilot’s certificate) increased from 250 to 1,500 hours, thereby significantly increasing the time and cost commitment required to become licensed to fly commercial aircraft. Additionally, the number of military pilots being trained by the U.S. armed forces and available as commercial pilots upon their retirement from military service has been decreasing. These and other factors have contributed to a shortage of qualified, entry-level pilots and increased compensation costs, particularly for our regional subsidiaries and our other regional partners who are being required by market conditions to pay significantly increased wages and large signing bonuses to their pilots in an attempt to achieve desired staffing levels. The foregoing factors have also led to increased competition from large, mainline carriers attempting to meet their hiring needs. We believe that this industry-wide pilot shortage is becoming an increasing problem for airlines in the United States. Our regional partners have recently been unable to hire adequate numbers of pilots to meet their needs, resulting in a reduction in the number of flights offered, disruptions, increased costs of operations, financial difficulties and other adverse effects, and these circumstances may become more severe in the future and thereby cause a material adverse effect on our business.
Increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage may adversely impact our operations and financial results.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 led to a significant increase in insurance premiums and a decrease in the insurance coverage available to commercial air carriers. Accordingly, our insurance costs increased significantly, and our ability to continue to obtain insurance even at current prices remains uncertain. If we are unable to maintain adequate insurance coverage, our business could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, severe disruptions in the domestic and global financial markets could adversely impact the claims paying ability of some insurers. Future downgrades in the ratings of enough insurers could adversely impact both the availability of appropriate insurance coverage and its cost. Because of competitive pressures in our industry, our ability to pass along additional insurance costs to passengers is limited. As a result, further increases in insurance costs or reductions in available insurance coverage could have an adverse impact on our financial results.use such intellectual property.
We may be a party to litigation in the normal course of business or otherwise, which could affect our financial position and liquidity.
From time to time, we are a party to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings, claims and government inspections or investigations and other legal matters, both inside and outside the United States, arising in the ordinary course of our business or otherwise. We are currently involved in various legal proceedings and claims that have not yet been fully resolved, and additional claims may arise in the future. Legal proceedings can be complex and take many months, or even years, to reach resolution, with the final outcome depending on a number of variables, some of which are not within our control. Litigation is subject to significant uncertainty and may be expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to our operations. Although we will vigorously defend ourselves in such legal proceedings, their ultimate resolution and potential financial and other impacts on us are uncertain. For these and other reasons, we may choose to settle legal proceedings and claims, regardless of their actual merit. If a legal proceeding is resolved against us, it could result in significant compensatory damages, and in certain circumstances punitive or trebled damages, disgorgement of revenue or profits, remedial corporate measures or injunctive relief imposed on us. If our existing insurance does not cover the amount or types of damages awarded, or if other resolution or actions taken as a result of the legal proceeding were to restrain our ability to operate or market our services, our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In addition, legal proceedings, and any adverse resolution thereof, can result in adverse publicity and damage to our reputation, which could adversely impact our business. Additional information regarding certain legal matters in which we are involved can be found in Note 11(e) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I,II, Item 3. Legal Proceedings.


8A and Note 10(e) to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B.
Our ability to utilize our NOL CarryforwardsNOLs and other carryforwards may be limited.
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), a corporation is generally allowed a deduction for NOLsnet operating losses (NOLs) carried over from prior taxable years (NOL Carryforwards).years. As of December 31, 2018,2021, we had approximately $17.2 billion of gross federal NOLs and $3.0 billion of other carryforwards available NOL Carryforwardsto reduce future federal taxable income, of approximately $10.2which $6.9 billion for regular federal income tax purposes that will expire beginning in 2024 if unused beginning in 2022, and $13.3 billion can be carried forward indefinitely. We also had approximately $3.2$6.0 billion forof NOL carryforwards to reduce future state taxable income tax purposes thatat December 31, 2021, which will expire in taxable years 2021 through 2041 if unused, between 2019 and 2038.unused. Our NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards are subject to adjustment on audit by the Internal Revenue Service and the respective state taxing authorities. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors, the NOL carryforwards may expire before we can generate sufficient taxable income to use them.
Our ability to use our NOLs and other carryforwards will depend on the amount of taxable income generated in future periods. We presently have a $34 million valuation allowance on certain net deferred tax assets related to state NOL carryforwards. If our financial results continue to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, there can be no assurance that an additional valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets will not be required. Such valuation allowance could be material. A corporation’s ability to deduct its federal NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards and to utilize certain other available tax attributes can be substantially constrained under the general annual limitation rules of Section 382 of the Code (Section 382) if it undergoes an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 (generally where cumulative stock ownership changes among material stockholders exceed 50 percent50% during a rolling three-year period). WeIn 2013, we experienced an ownership change in connection with our emergence from the Chapter 11 Casesbankruptcy and US Airways Group experienced an ownership change in connection with the Merger. The general limitation rules for a debtor in a bankruptcy case are liberalized where the ownership change occurs upon emergence from bankruptcy. We elected to be covered by certain
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special rules for federal income tax purposes that permitted approximately $9.0 billion (with $8.4$5.4 billion of unlimited NOLNOLs still remaining at December 31, 2018)2021) of our federal NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards to be utilized without regard to the annual limitation generally imposed by Section 382. If the special rules are determined not to apply, our ability to utilize such federal NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards may be subject to limitation. In addition, under the loan program of the CARES Act, the warrants (and common stock issuable upon exercise thereof) we issued to Treasury did not and will not result in an “ownership change” for purposes of Section 382. This exception does not apply for companies issuing warrants, stock options, common or preferred stock or other equity pursuant to PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3 and accordingly will not apply to the warrants issued by us under PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3. Substantially all of our remaining federal NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards attributable to US Airways Group and its subsidiaries are subject to limitation under Section 382 as a result of the Merger; however, our ability to utilize such NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards is not anticipated to be effectively constrained as a result of such limitation. Similar limitations may apply for state income tax purposes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ownership change subsequent to our emergence from the Chapter 11 Casesbankruptcy may severely limit or effectively eliminate our ability to utilize our NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards and other tax attributes. To reduceIn connection with the riskexpiration in December 2021 of a potential adverse effect on our abilitycertain transfer restrictions applicable to utilize our NOL Carryforwards,substantial shareholders contained in our Certificate of Incorporation, contains transfer restrictions applicablethe Board of Directors of AAG adopted a tax benefits preservation plan (the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan) in order to preserve our ability to use our NOLs and certain substantial stockholders. These restrictionsother tax attributes to reduce potential future income tax obligations. The Tax Benefits Preservation Plan is designed to reduce the likelihood that we experience an ownership change by deterring certain acquisitions of AAG common stock. There is no assurance, however, that the deterrent mechanism will be effective, and such acquisitions may still occur. In addition, the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan may adversely affect the ability of certain holdersmarketability of AAG common stock to dispose ofby discouraging existing or acquirepotential investors from acquiring AAG common stock or additional shares of AAG common stock. Althoughstock, because any non-exempt third party that acquires 4.9% or more of the purposethen-outstanding shares of AAG common stock would suffer substantial dilution of its ownership interest in AAG. We intend to submit the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan for ratification to AAG stockholders at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of American Airlines Group Inc.
New U.S. tax legislation may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The U.S. government may enact significant changes to the taxation of business entities including, among others, an increase in the corporate income tax rate, the imposition of minimum taxes or surtaxes on certain types of income, significant changes to the taxation of income derived from international operations, and an addition of further limitations on the deductibility of business interest. While certain draft legislation has been publicly released and is under development in Congress at this time, the likelihood of these transfer restrictionschanges being enacted or implemented is unclear. We are currently unable to prevent an ownership change from occurring,predict whether such changes will occur. If such changes are enacted or implemented, we are currently unable to predict the ultimate impact on our business and therefore there can be no assurance can be given that an ownership changeour business will not occur even with these restrictions in place.
Our ability to use our NOL Carryforwards also will depend on the amount of taxable income generated in future periods. The NOL Carryforwards may expire before we can generate sufficient taxable income to use them.be adversely affected.
We have a significant amount of goodwill, which is assessed for impairment at least annually. In addition, we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets or long-lived assets, causing us to record material impairment charges.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are assessed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if conditions indicate that an impairment may have occurred. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. In addition, we are required to assess certain of our other long-lived assets for impairment if conditions indicate that an impairment may have occurred.
Future impairment of goodwill or other long-lived assets could be recorded in results of operations as a result of changes in assumptions, estimates, or circumstances, some of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that a material impairment charge of goodwill or tangible or intangible assets will be avoided. The value of our aircraft could be impacted in future periods by changes in supply and demand for these aircraft. Such changes in supply and demand for certain aircraft types could result from grounding of aircraft by us or other airlines. Anairlines, including as a result of significant or prolonged declines in demand for air travel and corresponding reductions to capacity. We can provide no assurance that a material impairment chargeloss of tangible or intangible assets will not occur in a future period; we have previously incurred significant impairment charges associated with our decision to retire certain aircraft as a result of the severe decline in demand for air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the risk of future material impairments remains significantly heightened as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our flight schedules and business. Such impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Risks Related to the Airline Industry
The airline industry is intensely competitive and dynamic.
Our competitors include other major domestic airlines and foreign, regional and new entrant airlines, as well as joint ventures formed by some of these airlines, many of which have more financial or other resources and/or lower cost structures than ours, as well as other forms of transportation, including rail and private automobiles or alternatives to commuting or business travel including remote or flexible working policies and communication alternatives such as videoconferencing. In many of our markets, we compete with at least one low-cost carrier (including so-called ultra-low-cost carriers). Our revenues are sensitive to the actions of other carriers in many areas, including pricing, scheduling, capacity, fees (including cancellation, change and baggage fees), amenities, loyalty benefits and promotions, which can have a substantial adverse impact not only on our revenues, but on overall industry revenues. These factors may become even more significant in periods when the industry experiences large losses (such as the current one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic), as airlines under financial stress, or in bankruptcy, may institute pricing or fee structures intended to attract more customers to achieve near term survival at the expense of long-term viability.
Low-cost carriers (including so-called ultra-low-cost carriers) have a profound impact on industry revenues. Using the advantage of low unit costs, these carriers offer lower fares in order to shift demand from larger, more established airlines, and represent significant competitors, particularly for customers who fly infrequently, are price sensitive and therefore tend not to be loyal to any one particular carrier. A number of these low-cost carriers have recently commenced operations, and several new entrants have announced their intention to start up new ultra-low-cost carriers. Many of these new and existing carriers have announced growth strategies including commitments to acquire significant numbers of new aircraft for delivery in the next few years. These low-cost carriers are attempting to continue to increase their market share through growth and, potentially, consolidation, and are expected to continue to have an impact on our revenues and overall performance. We and several other large network carriers have implemented “Basic Economy” fares designed to more effectively compete against low-cost carriers, but we cannot predict whether these initiatives will be successful. While historically these carriers have provided competition in domestic markets, we have recently experienced new competition from low-cost carriers on international routes, including low-cost airlines executing international long-haul expansion strategies, a trend likely to continue with the delivery of planned, long-range narrowbody aircraft. The actions of existing or future low-cost carriers, including those described above, could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance.
We provide air travel internationally, directly as well as through joint businesses, alliances, codeshare and similar arrangements to which we are a party. While our network is comprehensive, compared to some of our key global competitors, we generally have somewhat greater relative exposure to certain regions (for example, Latin America) and somewhat lower relative exposure to others (for example, China). Our financial performance relative to our key competitors will therefore be influenced significantly by macro-economic conditions in particular regions around the world and the relative exposure of our network to the markets in those regions, including the duration of declines in demand for travel to specific regions as a result of the continuing outbreak of COVID-19 and the speed with which demand for travel to these regions returns.
Our international service exposes us to foreign economies and the potential for reduced demand when any foreign country we serve suffers adverse local economic conditions or if governments restrict commercial air service to or from any of these markets. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a precipitous decline in demand for air travel, in particular international travel, in part as a result of the imposition by the U.S. and foreign governments of restrictions on travel from certain regions. In addition, open skies agreements, which are now in place with a substantial number of countries around the world, provide international airlines with open access to U.S. markets, potentially subjecting us to increased competition on our international routes. See also “Our business is subject to extensive government regulation, which may result in increases in our costs, disruptions to our operations, limits on our operating flexibility, reductions in the demand for air travel, and competitive disadvantages.”
Certain airline alliances, joint ventures and joint businesses have been, or may in the future be, granted immunity from antitrust regulations by governmental authorities for specific areas of cooperation, such as joint pricing decisions. To the extent alliances formed by our competitors can undertake activities that are not available to us, our ability to effectively compete may be hindered. Our ability to attract and retain customers is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to offer our customers convenient access to desired markets. Our business could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain or obtain alliance and marketing relationships with other air carriers in desired markets.
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American has established a transatlantic joint business with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Finnair, a transpacific joint business with Japan Airlines and a joint business relating to Australia and New Zealand with Qantas, each of which has been granted antitrust immunity. The transatlantic joint business benefits from a grant of antitrust immunity from the DOT and was reviewed by the EC in July 2010. In connection with this review, we provided certain commitments to the EC regarding, among other things, the availability of take-off and landing slots at LHR or LGW airports. The commitments accepted by the EC were binding for 10 years. In October 2018, in anticipation of the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU, commonly referred to as Brexit, and the expiry of the EC commitments in July 2020, the CMA opened an investigation into the transatlantic joint business. We continue to fully cooperate with the CMA and, in September 2020, the CMA adopted interim measures that effectively extend the EC commitments for an additional three years until March 2024 in light of the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CMA plans to complete its investigation before the interim measures expire. The foregoing arrangements are important aspects of our international network and we are dependent on the performance and continued cooperation of the other airlines party to those arrangements.
In 2021, we began implementing key aspects of our marketing relationship with JetBlue. This arrangement includes an alliance agreement with reciprocal codesharing on certain domestic and international routes from New York (JFK, LGA, and EWR) and BOS, and provides for reciprocal loyalty program benefits. The arrangement does not include JetBlue’s transatlantic flying. Pursuant to federal law, American and JetBlue submitted this proposed alliance arrangement to the DOT for review. After American, JetBlue and the DOT agreed to a series of commitments, the DOT terminated its review of the proposed alliance in January 2021. The commitments include growth commitments to ensure capacity expansion, slot divestitures at JFK and at DCA near Washington, D.C. and antitrust compliance measures. Beyond the DOT Agreement, American and JetBlue will also refrain from certain kinds of coordination on certain city pair markets. Upon the DOT’s termination of its review of the proposed alliance, American and JetBlue implemented the proposed alliance subject to these commitments. On September 21, 2021, the DOJ, joined by Attorneys General from six states and the District of Columbia, filed an antitrust complaint against American and JetBlue alleging that American and JetBlue violated U.S. antitrust laws in connection with the NEA. We believe the complaint is without merit and intend to defend against it vigorously.
Notwithstanding the DOT’s termination of its reviews of the NEA and certain other alliances, the DOT maintains authority to conduct investigations under the scope of its existing statutes and regulations, including conduct related to this alliance. On September 21, 2021, the DOT published a Clarification Notice relating to the DOT Agreement. The DOT Clarification Notice stated, among other things, that the DOT Agreement remains in force during the pendency of the DOJ action against the NEA and, while the DOT retains independent statutory authority to prohibit unfair methods of competition in air transportation, the DOT intends to defer to DOJ to resolve the antitrust concerns that DOJ has identified with respect to the NEA. The DOT simultaneously published a Notice Staying Proceeding in relation to a complaint by Spirit Airlines, Inc. regarding the NEA, pending resolution of the DOJ action described above.
No assurances can be given as to any benefits that we may derive from any of the foregoing arrangements or any other arrangements that may ultimately be implemented, or whether regulators will, or if granted continue to, approve or impose material conditions on our business activities.
Additional mergers and other forms of industry consolidation, including antitrust immunity grants, may take place and may not involve us as a participant. Depending on which carriers combine and which assets, if any, are sold or otherwise transferred to other carriers in connection with any such combinations, our competitive position relative to the post-combination carriers or other carriers that acquire such assets could be harmed. In addition, as carriers combine through traditional mergers or antitrust immunity grants, their route networks will grow, and that growth will result in greater overlap with our network, which in turn could decrease our overall market share and revenues. Such consolidation is not limited to the U.S., but could include further consolidation among international carriers in Europe and elsewhere.
Additionally, our AAdvantage loyalty program, which is an important element of our sales and marketing programs, faces significant and increasing competition from the loyalty programs offered by other travel companies, as well as from similar loyalty benefits offered by banks and other financial services companies. Competition among loyalty programs is intense regarding the rewards, fees, required usage, and other terms and conditions of these programs. In addition, we have used certain assets from our AAdvantage loyalty program as collateral for the AAdvantage Financing, which contains covenants that impose restrictions on certain amendments or changes to certain of our AAdvantage Agreements and other aspects of the AAdvantage loyalty program. These competitive factors and covenants (to the extent applicable) may affect our ability to attract and retain customers, increase usage of our loyalty program and maximize the revenue generated by our loyalty program.
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The commercial relationships that we have with other companies, including any related equity investments, may not produce the returns or results we expect.
An important part of our strategy to expand our network has been to initiate or expand our commercial relationships with other airlines, such as by entering into global alliance, joint business and codeshare relationships, and, in certain instances, including China Southern Airlines and our previously announced proposed investments in GOL and JetSMART, by making a significant equity investment in another airline in connection with initiating or expanding such a commercial relationship. We may explore additional investments in, and joint ventures and strategic alliances with, other carriers as part of our global business strategy. We face competition in forming and maintaining these commercial relationships since there are a limited number of potential arrangements and other airlines are looking to enter into similar relationships, and our inability to form or maintain these relationships or inability to form as many of these relationships as our competitors may have an adverse effect on our business. Any such existing or future investment could involve significant challenges and risks, including that we may not realize a satisfactory return on our investment or that they may not generate the expected revenue synergies, and they may distract management focus from our operations or other strategic options. We may also be subject to consequences from any illegal conduct of joint business partners as well as to any political or regulatory change that negatively impacts or prohibits our arrangements with any such business partners. In addition, as a result of the global spread of COVID-19, the industry has experienced a precipitous decline in demand for air travel both internationally and domestically, which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future and could materially disrupt our partners' abilities to provide air service, the timely execution of our strategic operating plans, including the finalization, approval and implementation of new strategic relationships or the maintenance or expansion of existing relationships. If any carriers with which we partner or in which we hold an equity stake were to cease trading or be declared insolvent, we could lose the value of any such investment or experience significant operational disruption. These events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may also from time to time pursue commercial relationships with companies outside the airline industry, which relationships may include equity investments or other financial commitments. Any such relationship or related investment, could involve unique risks, particularly where these relationships involve new industry participants, emerging technologies or industries with which we are unfamiliar.
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 operating results are materially impacted by changes in the availability, price volatility and cost of aircraft fuel, which represents one of the largest single cost items in our business and thus is a significant factor in the price of airline tickets. Market prices for aircraft fuel have fluctuated substantially over the past several years and prices continue to be highly volatile, with market spot prices ranging from a low of approximately $0.37 per gallon to a high of approximately $2.35 per gallon during the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. In particular, fuel prices rose substantially in 2021, and price increases have continued in early 2022.
Because of the amount of fuel needed to operate our business, even a relatively small increase or decrease in the price of fuel can have a material effect on our operating results and liquidity. Due to the competitive nature of the airline industry and unpredictability of the market for air travel, we can offer no assurance that we may be able to increase our fares, impose fuel surcharges or otherwise increase revenues or decrease other operating costs sufficiently to offset fuel price increases. Similarly, we cannot predict actions that may be taken by our competitors in response to changes in fuel prices.
We cannot predict the future availability, price volatility or cost of aircraft fuel. Natural disasters (including hurricanes or similar events in the U.S. Southeast and on the Gulf Coast where a significant portion of domestic refining capacity is located), political disruptions or wars involving oil-producing countries, economic sanctions imposed against oil-producing countries or specific industry participants, changes in fuel-related governmental policy, the strength of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, changes in the cost to transport or store petroleum products and any related staffing or transportation equipment shortages, changes in access to petroleum product pipelines and terminals, speculation in the energy futures markets, changes in aircraft fuel production capacity, environmental concerns and other unpredictable events, may result in fuel supply shortages, distribution challenges, additional fuel price volatility and cost increases in the future. Any of these factors or events could cause a disruption in or increased demands on oil production, refinery operations, pipeline capacity or terminal access and possibly result in significant increases in the price of aircraft fuel and diminished availability of aircraft fuel supply.
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Our aviation fuel purchase contracts generally do not provide meaningful price protection against increases in fuel costs. Our current policy is not to enter into transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, although we review this policy from time to time based on market conditions and other factors. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2021, we did not have any fuel hedging contracts outstanding to hedge our fuel consumption. As such, and assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, we will continue to be fully exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. See also the discussion in Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – “Aircraft Fuel.”
Our business is subject to extensive government regulation, which may result in increases in our costs, disruptions to our operations, limits on our operating flexibility, reductions in the demand for air travel, and competitive disadvantages.
Airlines are subject to extensive domestic and international regulatory requirements. In the last several years, Congress and state and local governments have passed laws and regulatory initiatives, and the DOT, the FAA, the TSA and several of their respective international counterparts have issued regulations and a number of other directives, that affect the airline industry. These requirements impose substantial costs on us and restrict the ways we may conduct our business.
For example, the FAA from time to time issues directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft that require significant expenditures or operational restrictions. These requirements can be issued with little or no notice, or can otherwise impact our ability to efficiently or fully utilize our aircraft, and in some instances have resulted in the temporary and prolonged grounding of aircraft types altogether (including, for example, the March 2019 grounding of all Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft, which remained in place for over a year and was not lifted in the United States until November 2020), or otherwise caused substantial disruption and resulted in material costs to us and lost revenues. The FAA also exercises comprehensive regulatory authority over nearly all technical aspects of our operations. Our failure to comply with such requirements has in the past and may in the future result in fines and other enforcement actions by the FAA or other regulators. In the future, any new regulatory requirements, particularly requirements that limit our ability to operate or price our products, could have a material adverse effect on us and the industry.
DOT consumer rules, and rules promulgated by certain analogous agencies in other countries we serve, dictate procedures for customer handling during long onboard delays, further regulate airline interactions with passengers, including passengers with disabilities, through the ticketing process, at the airport, and onboard the aircraft, and require disclosures concerning airline fares and ancillary fees such as baggage fees. Other DOT rules apply to post-ticket purchase price increases and an expansion of tarmac delay regulations to international airlines. In 2022, the DOT is expected to propose or implement a number of new regulations that will impact us, including disability rules for accessible lavatories and wheelchair assistance, refund requirements, display of ancillary fees during initial flights search, and refunds for checked bag fees in the event of certain delays in delivery.
The Aviation and Transportation Security Act mandates the federalization of certain airport security procedures and imposes additional security requirements on airports and airlines, most of which are funded by a per-ticket tax on passengers and a tax on airlines. Present and potential future security requirements can have the effect of imposing costs and inconvenience on travelers, potentially reducing the demand for air travel.
Similarly, there are a number of legislative and regulatory initiatives and reforms at the state and local levels. These initiatives include increasingly stringent laws to protect the environment, wage/hour requirements, mandatory paid sick or family leave, and healthcare mandates. These laws could affect our relationship with our workforce and the vendors that serve our airlines and cause our expenses to increase without an ability to pass through these costs. In recent years, the airline industry has experienced an increase in litigation over the application of state and local employment laws, particularly in California. Application of these laws may result in operational disruption, increased litigation risk and impact our negotiated labor agreements. Additionally, in September 2021, the Biden Administration issued an executive order mandating a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for federal contractors.Due to a number of our agreements, American is classified as a government contractor. Consistent with this executive order and guidance from the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force responsible for implementing the order, we announced in that the federal vaccine mandate would require all of American’s U.S.-based team members and certain international crew members to be vaccinated or be exempt due to an accommodation for a medical disability or sincerely held religious belief. Lawsuits have been filed in multiple jurisdictions challenging the order, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia in one of these cases issued a nationwide stay of enforcement of the executive order.The cases are currently before several U.S. Courts of Appeal and may ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Given the uncertainty of its viability in the courts, the timing of implementation and availability of accommodations, we cannot predict the impact of this federal vaccination
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requirement on our business. Moreover, we may be subject to state and local vaccine mandates and other COVID-19-related requirements governing airports where we operate. While OSHA has withdrawn its overarching COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard, the U.S. Supreme Court has acknowledged that OSHA may potentially issue a revised COVID-19 standard targeted to high-risk occupations or workplaces, which could impact our regional carriers and other service providers.
The results of our operations, demand for air travel, and the manner in which we conduct business each may be affected by changes in law and future actions taken by governmental agencies, including:
changes in law that affect the services that can be offered by airlines in particular markets and at particular airports, or the types of fares offered or fees that can be charged to passengers;
the granting and timing of certain governmental approvals (including antitrust or foreign government approvals) needed for codesharing alliances, joint businesses and other arrangements with other airlines, and the imposition of regulatory investigations or commencement of litigation related to any of the foregoing (including our arrangements with JetBlue);
restrictions on competitive practices (for example, court orders, or agency regulations or orders, that would curtail an airline’s ability to respond to a competitor);
the adoption of new passenger security standards or regulations that impact customer service standards;
restrictions on airport operations, such as restrictions on the use of slots at airports or the auction or reallocation of slot rights currently held by us;
the adoption of more restrictive locally-imposed noise restrictions; and
restrictions on travel or special guidelines regarding aircraft occupancy or hygiene related to COVID-19, including the imposition of preflight testing regimes or vaccination confirmation requirements which to date have, and may in the future have, the effect of reducing demand for air travel in the markets where such requirements are imposed.
Each additional regulation or other form of regulatory oversight increases costs and adds greater complexity to airline operations and, in some cases, may reduce the demand for air travel. There can be no assurance that the increased costs or greater complexity associated with our compliance with new rules, anticipated rules or other forms of regulatory oversight will not have a material adverse effect on us.
Any significant reduction in air traffic capacity at and in the airspace serving key airports in the U.S. or overseas could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the ATC system is not successfully modernizing to meet the growing demand for U.S. air travel. Air traffic controllers rely on outdated procedures and technologies that routinely compel airlines, including ourselves, to fly inefficient routes or take significant delays on the ground. The ATC system’s inability to manage existing travel demand has led government agencies to implement short-term capacity constraints during peak travel periods or adverse weather conditions in certain markets, resulting in delays and disruptions of air traffic. The outdated technologies also cause the ATC system to be less resilient in the event of a failure. For example, an automation failure and an evacuation, in 2015 and 2017, respectively, at the Washington Air Route Control Center resulted in cancellations and delays of hundreds of flights traversing the greater Washington, D.C. airspace.
In the early 2000s, the FAA embarked on a path to modernize the national airspace system, including migration from the current radar-based ATC system to a GPS-based system. This modernization of the ATC system, generally referred to as “NextGen,” has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, and it remains uncertain when the full array of benefits expected from this modernization will be available to the public and the airlines, including ourselves. Failure to update the ATC system and the substantial costs that may be imposed on airlines, including ourselves, to fund a modernized ATC system may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Further, our business has been adversely impacted when government agencies have ceased to operate as expected including due to partial shut-downs, sequestrations or similar events and the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have resulted in, among other things, reduced demand for air travel, an actual or perceived reduction in air traffic control and security screening resources and related travel delays, as well as disruption in the ability of the FAA to grant required regulatory approvals, such as those that are involved when a new aircraft is first placed into service.
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Our operating authority in international markets is subject to aviation agreements between the U.S. and the respective countries or governmental authorities, such as the EU, and in some cases, fares and schedules require the approval of the DOT and/or the relevant foreign governments. Moreover, alliances with international carriers may be subject to the jurisdiction and regulations of various foreign agencies. The U.S. government has negotiated “open skies” agreements with 130 trading partners, which agreements allow unrestricted route authority access between the U.S. and the foreign markets. While the U.S. has worked to increase the number of countries with which open skies agreements are in effect, a number of markets important to us, including China, do not have open skies agreements. For example, the open skies air services agreement between the U.S. and the EU, which took effect in March 2008, provides airlines from the U.S. and EU member states open access to each other’s markets, with freedom of pricing and unlimited rights to fly from the U.S. to any airport in the EU. As a result of the agreement and a subsequent open skies agreement involving the U.S. and the United Kingdom, which was agreed in anticipation of Brexit, we face increased competition in these markets, including LHR. Bilateral and multilateral agreements among the U.S. and various foreign governments of countries we serve but which are not covered by an open skies treaty are subject to periodic renegotiation. We currently operate a number of international routes under government arrangements that limit the number of airlines permitted to operate on the route, the capacity of the airlines providing services on the route, or the number of airlines allowed access to particular airports. If an open skies policy were to be adopted for any of these markets, it could have a material adverse impact on us and could result in the impairment of material amounts of our related tangible and intangible assets. In addition, competition from foreign airlines, revenue-sharing joint ventures, joint business agreements, and other alliance arrangements by and among other airlines could impair the value of our business and assets on the open skies routes.
On May 1, 2021 the EU and United Kingdom entered into a new trade and cooperation agreement (The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement) to govern certain aspects of their relationship following Brexit. We face risks associated with Brexit, notably given the extent of our passenger and cargo traffic and that of our joint business partners that flows through LHR in the United Kingdom. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement includes provisions in relation to commercial air service that we expect to be sufficient to sustain our current services under the transatlantic joint business. However, the scope of traffic rights under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is less extensive than before Brexit and therefore the full impact of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is uncertain. As a result, the continuation of our current services, and those of our partners could be disrupted. This could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. More generally, changes in U.S. or foreign government aviation policies could result in the alteration or termination of such agreements, diminish the value of route authorities, slots or other assets located abroad, or otherwise adversely affect our international operations.
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 operate a global business with significant operations outside of the U.S. Our current international activities and prospects have been, and in the future could be, adversely affected by government policies, reversals or delays in the opening of foreign markets, increased competition in international markets, the performance of our alliance, joint business and codeshare partners in a given market, exchange controls or other restrictions on repatriation of funds, currency and political risks (including changes in exchange rates and currency devaluations), environmental regulation, increases in taxes and fees and changes in international government regulation of our operations, including the inability to obtain or retain needed route authorities and/or slots. In particular, the outbreak and global spread of COVID-19 have severely impacted the demand for international travel and have resulted in the imposition of significant governmental restrictions on commercial air service to or from certain regions. We responded by temporarily suspending a significant portion of our long-haul international flights and delaying the introduction of certain new long-haul international routes. We can provide no assurance as to when such restrictions will be eased or lifted, when demand for international travel will return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, if at all, or whether certain international destinations we previously served will be economical in the future.
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More generally, our industry may be affected by any deterioration in global trade relations, including shifts in the trade policies of individual nations. For example, much of the demand for international air travel is the result of business travel in support of global trade. Should protectionist governmental policies, such as increased tariff or other trade barriers, travel limitations and other regulatory actions, have the effect of reducing global commercial activity, the result could be a material decrease in the demand for international air travel. Additionally, certain of the products and services that we purchase, including certain of our aircraft and related parts, are sourced from suppliers located outside the U.S., and the imposition of new tariffs, or any increase in existing tariffs, by the U.S. government in respect of the importation of such products could materially increase the amounts we pay for them. In particular, in October 2019, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), as part of an ongoing dispute with the EU before the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning, among other things, aircraft subsidies, was authorized by an arbitration tribunal of the WTO to impose up to $7.5 billion per year in import tariffs on certain goods originating from the EU. The USTR subsequently imposed tariffs of up to 15% on certain imports from the EU, including on certain Airbus aircraft that we previously contracted to purchase and certain imported aircraft parts. In June 2021, the United States, the EU and the UK announced agreements to suspend the imposition of these tariffs, contingent upon each party remaining satisfied that subsidies do not arise. However, if and to the extent any of these tariffs are reimposed on us without any available means for us to mitigate or pass on the burden of these tariffs to Airbus, the effective cost of new Airbus aircraft required to implement our fleet plan would increase.
We face risks associated with Brexit, notably given the extent of our passenger and cargo traffic and that of our joint business partners that flows through LHR in the United Kingdom. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement includes provisions in relation to commercial air service that we expect to be sufficient to sustain our current services under the transatlantic joint business. However, the scope of traffic rights under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is less extensive than before Brexit and therefore the full impact of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is uncertain. As a result, the continuation of our current services, and those of our partners could be disrupted. Moreover, Brexit has created uncertainty as to the future trade relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom, including air traffic services. LHR is presently a very important element of our international network, however it may become less desirable as a destination or as a hub location after Brexit when compared to other airports in Europe. This could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Brexit has also led to legal and regulatory uncertainty such as the identity of the relevant regulators, new regulatory action and/or potentially divergent treaties, laws and regulations as the United Kingdom determines which EU treaties, laws and regulations to replace or replicate, including those governing aviation, labor, environmental, data protection/privacy, competition and other matters applicable to the provision of air transportation services by us or our alliance, joint business or codeshare partners. For example, in October 2018, in anticipation of Brexit and the expiry of the EC commitments in July 2020, the CMA opened an investigation into the transatlantic joint business. We continue to fully cooperate with the CMA and, in September 2020, the CMA adopted interim measures that effectively extend the EC commitments for an additional three years until March 2024 in light of the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CMA plans to complete its investigation before the interim measures expire. The impact on our business of any treaties, laws and regulations that replace the existing EU counterparts, or other governmental or regulatory actions taken by the United Kingdom or the EU in connection with or subsequent to Brexit, cannot be predicted, including whether or not regulators will continue to approve or impose material conditions on our business activities. Any of these effects, and others we cannot anticipate, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, fluctuations in foreign currencies, including devaluations, exchange controls and other restrictions on the repatriation of funds, have significantly affected and may continue to significantly affect our operating performance, liquidity and the value of any cash held outside the U.S. in local currency. Such fluctuations in foreign currencies, including devaluations, cannot be predicted by us and can significantly affect the value of our assets located outside the United States. These conditions, as well as any further delays, devaluations or imposition of more stringent repatriation restrictions, may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be adversely affected by conflicts overseas or terrorist attacks; the travel industry continues to face ongoing security concerns.
Acts of terrorism or fear of such attacks, including elevated national threat warnings, wars or other military conflicts, may depress air travel, particularly on international routes, and cause declines in revenues and increases in costs. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and continuing terrorist threats, attacks and attempted attacks materially impacted and continue to impact air travel. Increased security procedures introduced at airports since the attacks of September 11, 2001 and any other such measures that may be introduced in the future generate higher operating costs for airlines. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act mandated improved flight deck security, deployment of federal air marshals on
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board flights, improved airport perimeter access security, airline crew security training, enhanced security screening of passengers, baggage, cargo, mail, employees and vendors, enhanced training and qualifications of security screening personnel, additional provision of passenger data to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and enhanced background checks. A concurrent increase in airport security charges and procedures, such as restrictions on carry-on baggage, has also had and may continue to have a disproportionate impact on short-haul travel, which constitutes a significant portion of our flying and revenue. Implementation of and compliance with increasingly complex security and customs requirements will continue to result in increased costs for us and our passengers, and have caused and likely will continue to cause periodic service disruptions and delays. We have at times found it necessary or desirable to make significant expenditures to comply with security-related requirements while seeking to reduce their impact on our customers, such as expenditures for automated security screening lines at airports. As a result of competitive pressure, and the need to improve security screening throughput to support the pace of our operations, it is unlikely that we will be able to capture all security-related costs through increased fares. In addition, we cannot forecast what new security requirements may be imposed in the future, or their impact on our business.
We are subject to risks associated with climate change, including increased regulation of our CO2 emissions, changing consumer preferences and the potential increased impacts of severe weather events on our operations and infrastructure.
Efforts to transition to a low-carbon future have increased the focus by global, regional and national regulators on climate change and GHG emissions, including CO2 emissions. In particular, ICAO has adopted rules, including those pertaining to the CORSIA, which will require American to address the growth in CO2 emissions of a significant majority of our international flights. For more information on CORSIA, see “Aircraft Emissions and Climate Change Requirements” under Item 1. Business – Domestic and Global Regulatory Landscape – Environmental Matters.
At this time, the costs of complying with our future obligations under CORSIA are uncertain, primarily because it is difficult to estimate the return of demand for international air travel during and in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is also significant uncertainty with respect to the future supply and price of carbon offset credits and sustainable or lower carbon aircraft fuels that could allow us to reduce our emissions of CO2. In addition, we will not directly control our CORSIA compliance costs through 2029 because those obligations are based on the growth in emissions of the global aviation sector and begin to incorporate a factor for individual airline operator emissions growth beginning in 2030. Due to the competitive nature of the airline industry and unpredictability of the market for air travel, we can offer no assurance that we may be able to increase our fares, impose surcharges or otherwise increase revenues or decrease other operating costs sufficiently to offset our costs of meeting obligations under CORSIA.
In the event that CORSIA does not come into force as expected, American and other airlines could become subject to an unpredictable and inconsistent array of national or regional emissions restrictions, creating a patchwork of complex regulatory requirements that could affect global competitors differently without offering meaningful aviation environmental improvements. Concerns over climate change are likely to result in continued attempts by municipal, state, regional, and federal agencies to adopt requirements or change business environments related to aviation that, if successful, may result in increased costs to the airline industry and us. In addition, several countries and U.S. states have adopted or are considering adopting programs, including new taxes, to regulate domestic GHG emissions. Finally, certain airports have adopted, and others could in the future adopt, GHG emission or climate-related goals that could impact our operations or require us to make changes or investments in our infrastructure.
In January 2021, the EPA adopted GHG emission standards for new aircraft engines, which are aligned with the 2017 ICAO aircraft engine GHG emission standards. Like the ICAO standards, the final EPA standards for new aircraft engines would not apply retroactively to engines already on in-service aircraft. These final standards have been challenged by several states and environmental groups, and the Biden Administration has issued an executive order requiring a review of these final standards. On November 15, 2021, the EPA announced that it will not rewrite the existing aircraft engine GHG emissions standards but will press for ambitious new aircraft GHG emission standards at international negotiations organized by the ICAO in 2022. The outcome of the legal challenge and the development of new aircraft GHG emissions standards cannot be predicted at this time. In addition, on September 9, 2021, the Biden Administration launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge to scale up the production of sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to reduce GHG emissions from aviation by 20% by 2030 and to replace all traditional aviation fuel with sustainable aviation fuel by 2050. Whether these goals will be achieved and the potential effects on our business cannot be predicted at this time.
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In 2021, the EC proposed legislation that would expand the application of and increase the stringency of the EU ETS to include flights into and out of the Europe Economic Area beginning in 2027 under certain circumstances. Further, the European Commission is considering the creation of a SAF blending mandate for aviation fuel suppliers beginning in 2025, among other requirements. Individual EU member states have been developing their own requirements including, for example, a SAF mandate in France that came into force on January 1, 2022.
All such climate change-related regulatory activity and developments may adversely affect our business and financial results by requiring us to reduce our emissions before cost-effective emissions reduction technologies are available, for example through requirements to make capital investments to purchase specific types of equipment or technologies, purchase carbon offset credits, or otherwise incur additional costs related to our emissions. Such activity may also impact us indirectly by increasing our operating costs, including fuel costs.
Growing recognition among consumers of the dangers of climate change may mean some customers choose to fly less frequently or fly on an airline they perceive as operating in a manner that is more sustainable to the climate. Business customers may choose to use alternatives to travel, such as virtual meetings and workspaces. Greater development of high-speed rail in markets now served by short-haul flights could provide passengers with lower-carbon alternatives to flying with us. Our collateral to secure loans, in the form of aircraft, spare parts and airport slots, could lose value as customer demand shifts and economies move to low-carbon alternatives, which may increase our financing cost.
Finally, the potential acute and chronic physical effects of climate change, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods, fires, sea-level rise, excessive heat, longer-term changes in weather patterns and other climate-related events, could affect our operations, infrastructure and financial results. Operational impacts, such as the canceling of flights, could result in loss of revenue. We could incur significant costs to improve the climate resiliency of our infrastructure and otherwise prepare for, respond to, and mitigate such physical effects of climate change. We are not able to predict accurately the materiality of any potential losses or costs associated with the physical effects of climate change.
We are subject to many forms of environmental and noise regulation and may incur substantial costs as a result.
We are subject to a number of increasingly stringent federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of human health and the environment and noise reduction, including those relating to emissions to the air, discharges to land and surface and subsurface waters, safe drinking water, and the management of hazardous substances, oils and waste materials. This universe of substances is evolving to encompass many substances not previously regulated. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations can require significant expenditures, and violations can lead to significant fines and penalties, as well as civil liability.
We are also subject to other environmental laws and regulations, including those that require us to investigate and remediate soil or groundwater to meet certain remediation standards. Under federal law, generators of waste materials, and current and former owners or operators of facilities, can be subject to liability for investigation and remediation costs at locations that have been identified as requiring response actions. Liability under these laws may be retroactive, strict, joint and several, meaning that we could be liable for the costs of cleaning up environmental contamination regardless of when it occurred, fault or the amount of waste directly attributable to us. We have liability for investigation and remediation costs at various sites, although such costs currently are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business.
Governmental authorities in the U.S. and abroad are increasingly focused on potential contamination resulting from the use of so-called “forever chemicals,” most notably per- and polyfluoroalkyl, substances (PFAS). Products containing PFAS have been used in manufacturing, industrial, and consumer applications over many decades, including those related to aviation. We may incur costs in connection with obligations to transition away from the usage of PFAS-containing products, to dispose of PFAS-containing waste or to remediate any PFAS contamination.
We have various leases and agreements with respect to real property, tanks and pipelines with airports and other operators. Under these leases and agreements, we have agreed to indemnify the lessor or operator against environmental liabilities associated with the real property or operations described under the agreement, even in certain cases where we are not the party responsible for the initial event that caused the environmental damage. We also participate in leases with other airlines in fuel consortiums and fuel committees at airports, and such indemnities are generally joint and several among the participating airlines.
Governmental authorities in several U.S. and foreign cities are also considering, or have already implemented, aircraft noise reduction programs, including the imposition of nighttime curfews and limitations on daytime take offs and landings. We have been able to accommodate local noise restrictions imposed to date, but our operations could be adversely
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affected if locally-imposed regulations become more restrictive or widespread. The FAA is also currently evaluating possible changes to how aircraft noise is measured, and the resulting standards that are based on them. Ultimately, these changes could have an impact on, or limit, our operations, or make it more difficult for the FAA to modernize and increase the efficiency of airspace and airports we utilize.
A higher than normal number of pilot retirements, more stringent duty time regulations, increased flight hour requirement for commercial airline pilots, reductions in the number of military pilots entering the commercial workforce, increased training requirements and other factors have caused a shortage of pilots that could materially adversely affect our business.
Large numbers of pilots in the industry accepted early retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic or are approaching the FAA’s mandatory retirement age of 65. Our pilots and other employees are subject to rigorous certification standards, and our pilots and other crew members must adhere to flight time and rest requirements. Commencing in 2013, the minimum flight hour requirement to achieve a commercial pilot’s license in the United States increased from 250 to 1,500 hours, thereby significantly increasing the time and cost commitment required to become licensed to fly commercial aircraft. Additionally, the number of military pilots being trained by the U.S. armed forces and available as commercial pilots upon their retirement from military service has been decreasing. Further, in the course of the domestic airline industry rapidly restoring capacity during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the significant training requirements to return large numbers of pilots to active flying have been time consuming and disruptive.
These and other factors have contributed to a significant shortage of qualified, entry-level pilots, shortages of experienced pilots trained and ready for duty, and increased compensation costs, particularly for our regional subsidiaries and our other regional partners who are being required by market conditions to pay significantly increased wages and large signing and other bonuses to their pilots in an attempt to achieve desired staffing levels. The foregoing factors have also led to increased competition from large, mainline carriers attempting to meet their hiring needs. We believe that this industry-wide pilot shortage is becoming an increasing problem for airlines in the United States. Our regional airline subsidiaries and other regional partners have recently been unable to hire adequate numbers of pilots to meet their needs, resulting in a reduction in the number of flights offered, disruptions, increased compensation expense and costs of operations, financial difficulties and other adverse effects, and these circumstances may become more severe in the future and thereby cause a material adverse effect on our business.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for aircraft, aircraft engines and parts.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for aircraft, aircraft engines and many aircraft and engine parts. For example, as of the end of 2021, all of our mainline aircraft were manufactured by either Airbus or Boeing and all of our regional aircraft were manufactured by either Bombardier or Embraer. Further, our supplier base continues to consolidate as evidenced by the acquisition of Rockwell Collins by United Technologies and the transactions involving Airbus and Bombardier and Mitsubishi and Bombardier. Due to the limited number of these suppliers, we are vulnerable to any problems associated with the performance of their obligation to supply key aircraft, parts and engines, including design defects, mechanical problems, contractual performance by suppliers, adverse perception by the public that would result in customer avoidance of any of our aircraft or any action by the FAA or any other regulatory authority resulting in an inability to operate our aircraft, even temporarily. For instance, in March 2019, the FAA ordered the grounding of all Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft, which remained in place for over a year and was not lifted in the United States until November 2020, and in April 2021, we removed from operations, pending ongoing inspection and investigation, a subset of our Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft after receipt of notice from Boeing of a potential electrical power system issue relating to those aircraft. More recently, Boeing has been unable to deliver 787 aircraft that we have on order due to regulatory concerns raised by the FAA, as a result of which we have been forced, on more than one occasion, to significantly reduce our previously scheduled long-haul flying and suspend or delay our service to certain long-haul markets. The limited number of these suppliers may also result in reduced competition and potentially higher prices than if the supplier base was less concentrated.
Delays in scheduled aircraft deliveries or other loss of anticipated fleet capacity, and failure of new aircraft to perform as expected, may adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The success of our business depends on, among other things, effectively managing the number and types of aircraft we operate. If, for any reason, we are unable to accept or secure deliveries of new aircraft on contractually scheduled delivery dates, this could have negative impacts on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our failure to integrate newly purchased aircraft into our fleet as planned might require us to seek extensions of the terms for some leased aircraft or otherwise delay the exit of certain aircraft from our fleet. Such unanticipated extensions or delays may
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require us to operate existing aircraft beyond the point at which it is economically optimal to retire them, resulting in increased maintenance costs, or reductions to our schedule, thereby reducing revenues. If new aircraft orders are not filled on a timely basis, we could face higher financing and operating costs than planned. In addition, if the aircraft we receive do not meet expected performance or quality standards, including with respect to fuel efficiency, safety and reliability, we could face higher financing and operating costs than planned and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted. For instance, in March 2019, the FAA grounded all Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft, including the 24 aircraft in our fleet at the time of the grounding, and which caused us to be unable to take delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft we had on order from Boeing. More recently, Boeing has been unable to deliver 787 aircraft that we have on order due to regulatory concerns raised by the FAA, as a result of which we have been forced, on more than one occasion, to significantly reduce our previously scheduled long-haul flying and suspend or delay our service to certain long-haul markets. Repeated or prolonged delays in the production, delivery or induction of our new aircraft could require us to scale back our growth plans, reduce frequencies or forgo service entirely to certain markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely heavily on technology and automated systems to operate our business, and any failure of these technologies or systems could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are highly dependent on existing and emerging technology and automated systems to operate our business. These technologies and systems include our computerized airline reservation system, flight operations systems, financial planning, management and accounting systems, telecommunications systems, website, maintenance systems and check-in kiosks. In order for our operations to work efficiently, our website and reservation system must be able to accommodate a high volume of traffic, maintain secure information and deliver flight information, as well as issue electronic tickets and process critical financial information in a timely manner. Substantially all of our tickets are issued to passengers as electronic tickets. We depend on our reservation system, which is hosted and maintained under a long-term contract by a third-party service provider, to be able to issue, track and accept these electronic tickets. If our technologies or automated systems are not functioning or if our third-party service providers were to fail to adequately provide technical support, system maintenance or timely software upgrades for any one of our key existing systems, we could experience service disruptions or delays, which could harm our business and result in the loss of important data, increase our expenses and decrease our revenues. In the event that one or more of our primary technology or systems vendors goes into bankruptcy, ceases operations or fails to perform as promised, replacement services may not be readily available on a timely basis, at competitive rates or at all, and any transition time to a new system may be significant.
Our aircraft employ a number of sophisticated radio and satellite-based navigation and safety technologies, and we are subject to risks associated with the introduction or expansion of technologies that could interfere with the safe operation of these flight systems. For example, telecommunications companies are expanding and increasing the commercial and consumer applications of 5G cellular communication networks, and regulators, manufacturers and operators have expressed concerns that certain 5G applications could interfere with certain flight systems. On December 23, 2021, the FAA issued a special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB), in which it indicated that further testing and assessment is needed regarding the effects of 5G on certain aircraft equipped with radar altimeters, which measure the aircraft’s altitude and guide pilots during landings. If it were determined that 5G signals posed an interference risk to these altimeters or other systems, the FAA indicated in its SAIB that it could restrict flight operations in areas where such interference could occur. On January 18, 2022, major U.S. telecommunications companies agreed to delay the implementation of 5G near airports while working with the FAA to develop long-term mitigations to support safe aviation operations. While the telecommunications industry agreed to delay the activation of 5G transmitters in close proximity to airports, it did move forward with the activation of a vast majority of 5G transmitters away from airports, and we expect that companies will continue expanding their 5G networks through the winter and spring of 2022. As a result, the FAA has taken precautionary steps to mitigate any remaining interference risks, which have resulted in minimal impacts to our operations, particularly in low-visibility conditions at certain airports and with our regional carriers. While we are working closely with the FAA and other aviation industry participants to develop a long-term strategy that permits the full implementation of the 5G spectrum without disruption to safe aviation operations, any new restrictions imposed to mitigate interference risks would require us to adjust our operating procedures and could impact our ability to operate certain aircraft or to serve certain markets.
Our technologies and automated systems are not completely protected against events that are beyond our control, including natural disasters, power failures, terrorist attacks, cyber-attacks, data theft, equipment and software failures, computer viruses or telecommunications failures. When service interruptions occur as a result of any of the aforementioned events, we address them in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. However, substantial or sustained system failures could cause service delays or failures and result in our customers purchasing tickets from other airlines. We cannot assure that our security measures, change control procedures or disaster recovery plans are
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adequate to prevent disruptions or delays. Disruption in or changes to these technologies or systems could result in a disruption to our business and the loss of important data. Any of the foregoing could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Evolving data security and privacy requirements could increase our costs, and any significant data security or privacy 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.
Our business requires the secure processing and storage of personal information relating to our customers, employees, business partners and others. However, like any global enterprise operating in today’s digital business environment, we have experienced cybersecurity incidents and data breaches. The threat of cybersecurity incidents continues to increase as the frequency, intensity and sophistication of attacks and intrusions increase around the world. We and our business partners have been the target of cybersecurity attacks and data breaches in the past and expect that we will continue to be in the future. We react and respond to these cybersecurity attacks in accordance with the applicable legal requirements, our own approved cybersecurity protocols, as well as our commercial partners’ standards, but we cannot ensure that our responses will be sufficient to prevent or mitigate the potential adverse impacts of these incidents, which may be material.
There has been heightened legislative and regulatory focus on data privacy and cybersecurity in the U.S., the EU and elsewhere, particularly with respect to critical infrastructure providers, including those in the transportation sector. As a result, we must comply with a proliferating and fast-evolving set of legal requirements in this area, including substantive data privacy and cybersecurity standards as well as requirements for notifying regulators and affected individuals in the event of a data security incident. This regulatory environment is increasingly challenging and may present material obligations and risks to our business, including significantly expanded compliance burdens, costs and enforcement risks. For example, in May 2018, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, commonly referred to as GDPR, came into effect, which imposes a host of data privacy and security requirements, imposing significant costs on us and carrying substantial penalties for non-compliance.
In addition, many of our commercial partners, including credit card companies, have imposed data security standards that we must meet. In particular, we are required by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, founded by the credit card companies, to comply with their highest level of data security standards. While we continue our efforts to meet these standards, new and revised standards may be imposed that may be difficult for us to meet and could increase our costs.
A significant cybersecurity incident involving us or one of our AAdvantage partners or other business partners have in the past and may in the future result in a range of potentially material negative consequences for us, including unauthorized access to, disclosure, modification, misuse, loss or destruction of company systems or data; theft of sensitive, regulated or confidential data, such as personal information or our intellectual property; the loss of functionality of critical systems through ransomware, denial of service or other attacks; a deterioration in our relationships with business partners and other third parties; and business delays, service or system disruptions, damage to equipment and injury to persons or property. For example, in March 2021, a sub-set of AAdvantage members as well as members of several other major airline loyalty programs received a notification about a security incident involving a limited amount of loyalty data held by a service provider. The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems are constantly evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or to detect for long periods of time. The constantly changing nature of the threats means that we cannot and have not been able to prevent all data security breaches or misuse of data. Similarly, we depend on the ability of our key commercial partners, including AAdvantage partners, other business partners, our regional carriers, distribution partners and technology vendors, to conduct their businesses in a manner that complies with applicable security standards and assures their ability to perform on a timely basis. A security failure, including a failure to meet relevant payment security standards, breach or other significant cybersecurity incident affecting one of our partners could result in potentially material negative consequences for us. In addition, we use third-party service providers to help us deliver services to customers. These service providers may store personal information, credit card information and/or other confidential information. Such information may be the target of unauthorized access or subject to security breaches as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise. Any of these could (a) result in the loss of information, litigation, indemnity obligations, damage to our reputation and other liability, or (b) have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The costs and operational consequences of defending against, preparing for, responding to and remediating an incident of cybersecurity breach may be substantial. As cybersecurity threats become more frequent, intense and
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sophisticated, costs of proactive defense measures are increasing. Further, we could be exposed to litigation, regulatory enforcement or other legal action as a result of an incident, carrying the potential for damages, fines, sanctions or other penalties, as well as injunctive relief and enforcement actions requiring costly compliance measures. A significant number of recent privacy and data security incidents, including those involving other large airlines, have resulted in very substantial adverse financial consequences to those companies. A cybersecurity incident could also impact our brand, including that of the AAdvantage program, harm our reputation and adversely impact our relationship with our customers, employees and stockholders. The increased regulatory focus on data privacy practices apart from how personal data is secured, such as how personal data is collected, used for marketing purposes, and shared with third parties, also increases the risk on our business in the event of a significant violation. Accordingly, failure to appropriately address data privacy and cybersecurity issues could result in material financial and other liabilities and cause significant reputational harm to our company.
We rely on third-party distribution channels and must manage effectively the costs, rights and functionality of these channels.
We rely on third-party distribution channels, including those provided by or through global distribution systems (GDSs) (e.g., Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport), conventional travel agents, travel management companies and online travel agents (OTAs) (e.g., Expedia, including its booking sites Orbitz and Travelocity, and Booking Holdings, including its booking sites Kayak and Priceline), to distribute a significant portion of our airline tickets, and we expect in the future to continue to rely on these channels. We are also dependent upon the ability and willingness of these distribution channels to expand their ability to distribute and collect revenues for ancillary products (e.g., fees for selective seating). These distribution channels are more expensive and at present have less functionality in respect of ancillary product offerings than those we operate ourselves, such as our website at www.aa.com. Certain of these distribution channels also effectively restrict the manner in which we distribute our products generally. In addition, our agreements with GDSs and other distribution channels are subject to periodic renegotiation, and our efforts to control our distribution costs depend on our ability to renew or continue these agreements on favorable terms. We cannot assure that we will be able to renew our distribution agreements on commercially acceptable terms, and any failure to do so could materially increase our costs, thereby adversely impacting our business, financial condition and results of operations.
To remain competitive, we will need to manage successfully our distribution costs and rights, increase our distribution flexibility and improve the functionality of our distribution channels, while maintaining an industry-competitive cost structure. Further, as distribution technology changes we will need to continue to update our technology by acquiring new technology from third parties, building the functionality ourselves, or a combination, which in any event will likely entail significant technological and commercial risk and involve potentially material investments. These imperatives may affect our relationships with conventional travel agents, travel management companies, GDSs and OTAs, including if consolidation of conventional travel agents, travel management companies, GDSs or OTAs continues, or should any of these parties seek to acquire other technology providers thereby potentially limiting our technology alternatives. Any inability to manage our third-party distribution costs, rights and functionality at a competitive level or any material diminishment or disruption in the distribution of our tickets could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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, which may have a material adverse impact on our operations.
In order to operate our existing and proposed flight schedule and, where desirable, add service along new or existing routes, we must be able to maintain and/or obtain adequate gates, check-in counters, operations areas, operations control facilities and administrative support space. As airports around the world become more congested, it may not be possible for us to ensure that our plans for new service can be implemented in a commercially viable manner, given operating constraints at airports throughout our network, including those imposed by inadequate facilities at desirable airports.
In light of constraints on existing facilities, there is presently a significant amount of capital spending underway at major airports in the United States, including large projects underway at a number of airports where we have significant operations, such as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, JFK, ORD, LAX and LGA. This spending is expected to result in increased costs to airlines and the traveling public that use those facilities as the airports seek to recover their investments through increased rental, landing and other facility costs. In some circumstances, such costs could be imposed by the relevant airport authority without our approval. Accordingly, our operating costs are expected to increase significantly at many airports at which we operate, including a number of our hubs and gateways, as a result of capital spending projects currently underway and additional projects that we expect to commence over the next several years.
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In addition, operations at three major domestic airports, certain smaller domestic airports and many foreign airports we serve are regulated by governmental entities through allocations of slots or similar regulatory mechanisms that limit the rights of carriers to conduct operations at those airports. Each slot represents the authorization to land at or take off from the particular airport during a specified time period and may impose other operational restrictions as well. In the U.S., the DOT and the FAA currently regulate the allocation of slots or slot exemptions at DCA and two New York City airports: JFK and LGA. Our operations at these airports generally require the allocation of slots or similar regulatory authority. In addition to slot restrictions, operations at DCA and LGA are also limited based on a so-called “perimeter rule” which generally limits the stage length of the flights that can be operated from those airports to 1,250 and 1,500 miles, respectively. Similarly, our operations at LHR, international airports in Beijing, Frankfurt, Paris, Tokyo and other airports outside the U.S. are regulated by local slot authorities pursuant to the International Airline Trade Association Worldwide Scheduling Guidelines and/or applicable local law. Termination of slot controls at some or all of the foregoing airports could affect our operational performance and competitive position. We currently have sufficient slots or analogous authorizations to operate our existing flights and we have generally, but not always, been able to obtain the rights to expand our operations and to change our schedules. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain sufficient slots or analogous authorizations in the future or as to the cost of acquiring such rights because, among other reasons, such allocations are often sought after by other airlines and are subject to changes in governmental policies. Due to the dramatic reduction in air travel resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are in many instances relying on exemptions granted by applicable authorities from the requirement that we continuously use certain slots, gates and routes or risk having such operating rights revoked, and depending on the applicable authority these exemptions can vary in the way they are structured and applied. We cannot predict whether such exemptions will continue to be granted, whether they will be granted on the same or similar terms, or whether we ultimately could be at risk of losing valuable operating rights. If we are forced to surrender slots, we may be unable to provide our desired level of service to or from certain destinations in the future. We cannot provide any assurance that regulatory changes resulting in changes in the application of slot controls or the allocation of or any reallocation of existing slots, the continued enforcement or termination of a perimeter rule or similar regulatory regime will not have a material adverse impact on our operations.
Our ability to provide service can also be impaired at airports, such as LAX and ORD where the airport gates and other facilities are currently inadequate to accommodate all of the service that we would like to provide, or airports such as Dallas Love Field Airport where we have no access to gates at all.
Any limitation on our ability to acquire or maintain adequate gates, ticketing facilities, operations areas, operations control facilities, slots (where applicable), or office space could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Interruptions or disruptions in service at one of our key facilities could have a material adverse impact on our operations.
We operate principally through our hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. and partner gateways including in London Heathrow (among others). Substantially all of our flights either originate at or fly into one of these locations. A significant interruption or disruption in service at one of our hubs, gateways or other airports where we have a significant presence, resulting from air traffic control delays, weather conditions, natural disasters, growth constraints, performance by third-party service providers (such as electric utility or telecommunications providers), failure of computer systems, disruptions at airport facilities or other key facilities used by us to manage our operations (such as occurred in the United Kingdom at LGW on December 20, 2018 and LHR on January 8, 2019 due to unauthorized drone activity), labor relations, power supplies, fuel supplies, terrorist activities, or otherwise could result in the cancellation or delay of a significant portion of our flights and, as a result, could have a severe impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have limited control, particularly in the short term, over the operation, quality or maintenance of many of the services on which our operations depend and over whether vendors of such services will improve or continue to provide services that are essential to our business.
Increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage may adversely impact our operations and financial results.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 led to a significant increase in insurance premiums and a decrease in the insurance coverage available to commercial air carriers. Accordingly, our insurance costs increased significantly, and our ability to continue to obtain insurance even at current prices remains uncertain. If we are unable to maintain adequate insurance coverage, our business could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, severe disruptions in the domestic and global financial markets could adversely impact the claims paying ability of some insurers. Future
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downgrades in the ratings of enough insurers could adversely impact both the availability of appropriate insurance coverage and its cost. Because of competitive pressures in our industry, our ability to pass along additional insurance costs to passengers is limited. As a result, further increases in insurance costs or reductions in available insurance coverage could have an adverse impact on our financial results.
The airline industry is heavily taxed.
The airline industry is subject to extensive government fees and taxation that negatively impact our revenue and profitability. The U.S. airline industry is one of the most heavily taxed of all industries. These fees and taxes have grown significantly in the past decade for domestic flights, and various U.S. fees and taxes also are assessed on international flights. For example, as permitted by federal legislation, most major U.S. airports impose a per-passenger facility charge on us. In addition, the governments of foreign countries in which we operate impose on U.S. airlines, including us, various fees and taxes, and these assessments have been increasing in number and amount in recent years. Moreover, we are obligated to collect a federal excise tax, commonly referred to as the “ticket tax,” on domestic and international air transportation. We collect the excise tax, along with certain other U.S. and foreign taxes and user fees on air transportation (such as passenger security fees), and pass along the collected amounts to the appropriate governmental agencies. Although these taxes and fees are not our operating expenses, they represent an additional cost to our customers. There are continuing efforts in Congress and in other countries to raise different portions of the various taxes, fees, and charges imposed on airlines and their passengers, including the passenger facility charge, and we may not be able to recover all of these charges from our customers. Increases in such taxes, fees and charges could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Under DOT regulations, all governmental taxes and fees must be included in the prices we quote or advertise to our customers. Due to the competitive revenue environment, many increases in these fees and taxes have been absorbed by the airline industry rather than being passed on to the customer. Further increases in fees and taxes may reduce demand for air travel, and thus our revenues.
Risks Related to Ownership of AAG Common Stock and Convertible Notes
The price of AAG common stock has recently been and may in the future be volatile.
The market price of AAG common stock has fluctuated substantially in the past, and may fluctuate substantially in the future, due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business or the U.S. and global economies;
macro-economic conditions, including the price of fuel;
changes in market values of airline companies as well as general market conditions;
our operating and financial results failing to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors;


changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts;
changes in our level of outstanding indebtedness and other obligations;
changes in our credit rating;ratings;
material announcements by us or our competitors;
expectations regarding our capital deployment program, including any existing or potential future share repurchase programs and any future dividend payments that may be declared by our Board of Directors, or any determination to cease repurchasing stock or paying dividends;dividends (which we have suspended for an indefinite period in accordance with the applicable requirements under the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP);
new regulatory pronouncements and changes in regulatory guidelines;
general and industry-specific economic conditions;
changes in our key personnel;
distributions
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Table of shares of AAG common stock pursuant to the Plan, including distributions from the Disputed Claims Reserve established under the Plan;Contents
public or private sales of a substantial number of shares of AAG common stock or issuances of AAG common stock upon the exercise or conversion of restricted stock unit awards, stock appreciation rights, or other securities that may be issued from time to time;time, including warrants we have issued in connection with our receipt of funds under the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP;
increases or decreases in reported holdings by insiders or other significant stockholders; and
fluctuations in trading volume.volume; and
technical factors in the public trading market for our stock that may produce price movements that may or may not comport with macro, industry or company-specific fundamentals, including, without limitation, the sentiment of retail investors (including as may be expressed on financial trading and other social media sites), the amount and status of short interest in our securities, access to margin debt, trading in options and other derivatives on our common stock and any related hedging and other technical trading factors.
The closing price of our common stock on Nasdaq varied from $15.00 to $25.82 during 2021 and $15.64 to $19.34 during 2022 year-to-date through February 18, 2022. At times during this period, fluctuations in our stock price have been rapid, imposing risks on investors due to the possibility of significant, short-term price volatility. While we believe that this wide range of trading prices is broadly indicative of the changing prospects for a large airline facing the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we also believe, based in part on the commentary of market analysts, that the trading price of our common stock has at times been influenced by the technical trading factors discussed in the last bullet above. On some occasions, market analysts have explained fluctuations in our stock price by reference to purported “short squeeze” activity. A “short squeeze” is a technical market condition that occurs when the price of a stock increases substantially, forcing market participants who had taken a position that its price would fall (i.e., who had sold the stock “short”), to buy it, which in turn may create significant, short-term demand for the stock not for fundamental reasons, but rather due to the need for such market participants to acquire the stock in order to forestall the risk of even greater losses. A “short squeeze” condition in the market for a stock can lead to short-term conditions involving very high volatility and trading that may or may not track fundamental valuation models.
We have ceased making repurchases of our common stock and paying dividends on our common stock as required by the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP. Following the end of those restrictions, if we do decide to make repurchases of or pay dividends on our common stock, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to repurchase our common stock or pay dividends on our common stockdo so or that our capital deployment program will enhance long-term stockholder value. Our capital deployment program could increase
In connection with the volatility of the price of our common stockfinancial assistance provided under PSP1, PSP2 and diminish our cash reserves.
Since July 2014, as part of our capital deployment program, our Board of Directors has approved seven share repurchase programs aggregating $13.0 billion of authority. As of December 31, 2018, there was $1.7 billion remaining authorityPSP3, we agreed not to repurchase shares under ourof AAG common stock through September 30, 2022. If we determine to make any share repurchase programs. Sharerepurchases in the future, such repurchases under our repurchase programs may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, block trades or accelerated share repurchase transactions. These share repurchase programs do not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares or to repurchase any specific number of shares for any fixed period, and may be suspended again at any time at our discretion and without prior notice. The timing and amount of repurchases, if any, will be subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements, such as the requirements of the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law, the ARP and other relevant factors. Our repurchase of AAG common stock may be limited, suspended or discontinued at any time at our discretion and without prior notice.
Our Board of Directors commenced declaring quarterly cashIn connection with the financial assistance provided under PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3, we agreed not to pay dividends on AAG common stock through September 30, 2022. If we determine to make any dividends in July 2014 as part of our capital deployment program. However, anythe future, such dividends that may be declared and paid from time to time will be subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. We are not obligated to continue a dividend for any fixed period, and the payment of dividends may be suspended or discontinued again at any time at our discretion and without prior notice. We will continue to retain future earnings to develop our business, as opportunities arise, and evaluate on a quarterly basis the amount and timing of future dividends based on our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements and general business conditions. The amount and timing of any future dividends may vary, and the payment of any dividend does not assure that we will pay dividends in the future.
In addition, any future repurchases of AAG common stock or payment of dividends, or any determination to cease repurchasing stock or paying dividends, could affect our stock price and increase its volatility. The existence of a share repurchase program and any future dividends could cause our stock price to be higher than it would otherwise be and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock. Additionally, any future repurchases of AAG common stock or
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payment of dividends will diminish our cash reserves, which may impact our ability to finance future growth and to pursue possible future strategic opportunities and acquisitions. Further, our repurchase of AAG common stock may fluctuate such that our cash flow may be insufficient to fully cover our share repurchases. Although our share repurchase programs are intended to enhance long-term stockholder value, there is no assurance that itthey will do so because the market priceso.
AAG’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include provisions that limit voting and acquisition and disposition of our equity interests and specify an exclusive forum for certain stockholder disputes.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include significant provisions that limit voting and ownership and disposition of our equity interests as described in Part II, Item 5. Market for American Airlines Group’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - “Ownership Restrictions” and AAG’s Description of the Registrants’ Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto. These restrictions may adversely affect the ability of certain holders of AAG common stock may decline belowand our other equity interests to vote such interests and adversely affect the levels at which we repurchasedability of persons to acquire shares of AAG common stock and short-term stock price fluctuations could reduceour other equity interests.
Our Certificate of Incorporation also specifies that the program’s effectiveness.


Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders. Because the applicability of the exclusive forum provision is limited to the extent permitted by applicable law, we do not intend for the exclusive forum provision to apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction, and acknowledge that federal courts have concurrent jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act. We note that there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce the provision as it applies to the Securities Act and that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. This provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.
Certain provisions of AAG’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws make it difficult for stockholders to change the composition of our Board of Directors and may discourage takeover attempts that some of our stockholders might consider beneficial.
Certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, as currently in effect, may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control if our Board of Directors determines that such changes in control are not in our best interest and the best interest of our stockholders. These provisions include, among other things, the following:
advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals to be considered at stockholders’ meetings;
the ability of our Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the board;
a prohibition against stockholders taking action by written consent;
stockholders are restricted from calling a special meeting unless they hold at least 20% of our outstanding shares and follow the procedures provided for in the amended Bylaws;
a requirement that holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors approve any amendment of our Bylaws submitted to stockholders for approval; and
super-majority voting requirements to modify or amend specified provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation.
These provisions are not intended to prevent a takeover, but are intended to protect and maximize the value of the interests of our stockholders. While these provisions have the effect of encouraging persons seeking to acquire control of our company to negotiate with our Board of Directors, they could enable our Board of Directors to prevent a transaction that some, or a majority, of our stockholders might believe to be in their best interest and, in that case, may prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors. In addition, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits business combinations with interested stockholders. Interested stockholders do not include stockholders whose acquisition of our securities is approved by the Board of Directors prior to the investment under Section 203.
AAG’s Certificate
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Table of Incorporation and Bylaws include provisions that limit voting and acquisition and dispositionContents
The issuance or sale of shares of our equity interests.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include provisions that limit voting and ownership and disposition of our equity interests, as described in Part II, Item 5. Market for American Airlines Group’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - “Ownership Restrictions.” These restrictions may adversely affect the ability of certain holders of AAG common stock, and our other equity interests to vote such interests and adversely affect the ability of personsrights to acquire shares of AAGour common stock, or warrants issued to Treasury under the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law, the ARP, PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3, could depress the trading price of our common stock and the Convertible Notes.
We may conduct future offerings of material amounts of our common stock, preferred stock or other equity interests.securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock to finance our operations, to fund acquisitions, or for any other purposes at any time and from time to time (including as compensation to the U.S. Government for the proceeds received pursuant to PSP1, PSP2 or PSP3). If these additional shares or securities are issued or sold, or if it is perceived that they will be sold, into the public market or otherwise, the price of our common stock and Convertible Notes could decline substantially. If we issue additional shares of our common stock or rights to acquire shares of our common stock, if any of our existing stockholders sells a substantial amount of our common stock, or if the market perceives that such issuances or sales may occur, then the trading price of our common stock and Convertible Notes could decline substantially.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
We had no unresolved Securities and Exchange Commission staff comments that were issued 180 days or more preceding December 31, 2018.2021.

59



ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Flight Equipment and Fleet Renewal
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American operated a mainline fleet of 956865 aircraft. In 2018, we continued our extensive fleet renewal program, which has provided us with the youngest fleet of the major U.S. network carriers. During 2018,2021, American tookaccepted delivery of 2325 mainline aircraft, temporarily parked 14 mainline aircraft and retired 15one mainline aircraft. We are supported by our wholly-owned and third-party regional carriers that fly under capacity purchase agreements operating as American Eagle. As of December 31, 2018,2021, American Eagle operated 595567 regional aircraft. During 2018,2021, we reducedincreased our regional fleet by a net of two23 aircraft, including the addition of 6052 regional aircraft, the retirement of 26 regional aircraft and retirement of 62temporarily parking three regional aircraft.
Mainline
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American’s mainline fleet consisted of the following aircraft:
Average
Seating
Capacity
Average
Age
(Years)
OwnedLeasedTotal
Airbus A319128 17.7 21 112 133 
Airbus A320150 20.7 10 38 48 
Airbus A321182 9.4 164 54 218 
Airbus A321neo196 1.3 35 44 
Boeing 737-800 (1)
172 10.7 96 171 267 
Boeing 737-8 MAX172 2.4 33 42 
Boeing 777-200ER273 21.0 44 47 
Boeing 777-300ER304 7.8 18 20 
Boeing 787-8234 5.3 20 24 
Boeing 787-9285 4.2 17 22 
Total11.3 408 457 865 
(1)Excluded from the total operating aircraft count above are36owned Boeing 737-800 that are being held in temporary storage.
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Average  Seating
Capacity
 
Average
Age
(Years)
 Owned Leased Total
Airbus A319128
 14.7
 21
 105
 126
Airbus A320150
 17.7
 10
 38
 48
Airbus A321178
 6.4
 165
 54
 219
Airbus A330-200247
 7.0
 15
 
 15
Airbus A330-300291
 18.4
 4
 5
 9
Boeing 737-800161
 9.1
 132
 172
 304
Boeing 737-8 MAX172
 0.6
 11
 9
 20
Boeing 757-200180
 19.1
 31
 3
 34
Boeing 767-300ER209
 20.1
 24
 
 24
Boeing 777-200ER273
 18.0
 44
 3
 47
Boeing 777-300ER304
 4.8
 18
 2
 20
Boeing 787-8226
 3.1
 20
 
 20
Boeing 787-9285
 1.3
 15
 5
 20
Embraer 19099
 11.1
 20
 
 20
McDonnell Douglas MD-80140
 20.6
 3
 27
 30
Total  10.6
 533
 423
 956


Table of Contents

Regional
As of December 31, 2018,2021, the fleet of our wholly-owned and third-party regional carriers operating as American Eagle consisted of the following aircraft:
 
Average  Seating
Capacity
 Owned Leased 
Owned or Leased
by Third Party
Regional Carrier
 Total 
Operating Regional
Carrier
 
Number of
Aircraft
Operated (1)
Bombardier CRJ 20050
 12
 23
 
 35
 PSA 35
              
Bombardier CRJ 70068
 54
 7
 58
 119
 SkyWest 50
           PSA 46
           Envoy 15
           
ExpressJet (2)
 8
           Total 119
              
Bombardier CRJ 90078
 54
 
 64
 118
 Mesa 64
           PSA 54
           Total 118
              
Embraer E17576
 69
 
 85
 154
 Republic 85
           Envoy 49
           Compass 20
           Total 154
              
Embraer ERJ 14044
 51
 
 
 51
 Envoy 51
              
Embraer ERJ 14550
 118
 
 
 118
 Envoy 62
           Piedmont 56
           Total 118
Total  358
 30
 207
 595
   595
Average Seating
Capacity
OwnedLeasedOwned or Leased
by Third Party
Regional Carrier
TotalOperating Regional
Carrier
Number of
Aircraft
Operated
Bombardier CRJ 70065 54 82 143 SkyWest82 
PSA61 
Total143 
Bombardier CRJ 90076 69 — 40 109 PSA69 
Mesa40 
Total109 
Embraer 170 (1)
65 — 14 Envoy
Republic
Total14 
Embraer 17576 98 — 96 194 Envoy98 
Republic88 
SkyWest
Total194 
Embraer 145 (1)
50 107 — — 107 Piedmont50 
Envoy57 
Total107 
Total328 13 226 567 567 
(1)
(1)Excluded from the total operating aircraft count above are 10 regional aircraft that are being held in temporary storage as follows:eight owned Embraer 145s and two owned Embraer 170s.
Excluded from the total operating aircraft count above areeightowned Embraer ERJ 140s that are being held in temporary storage.
(2)
ExpressJet operated regional jet aircraft for us in 2018; however, this capacity purchase arrangement ended in January 2019.
See Note 1211 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 10 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional information on our capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers.


Aircraft and Engine Purchase Commitments
As of December 31, 2018,2021, we had definitive purchase agreements with Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and Bombardier for the acquisition of the following mainlineaircraft (1):
202220232024202520262027 and ThereafterTotal
Airbus
A320neo Family26 18 22 — 76 
Boeing (2)
737 MAX Family— 27 21 20 20 — 88 
787 Family10 43 
Embraer
175— — — — — 
Total39 39 47 51 29 210 
(1)Delivery schedule represents our most current estimate as of the date of this report. Actual delivery dates are subject to change, which could be material, based on various potential factors including production delays by the manufacturer and regional aircraft:regulatory concerns, such as those that have recently prevented The Boeing Company (Boeing) from timely delivering 787 Family aircraft.
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 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Airbus 
             
A320neo Family17
 15
 18
 20
 8
 22
 100
Boeing             
737 MAX Family20
 10
 10
 
 
 40
 80
787 Family2
 12
 10
 
 6
 19
 49
Embraer             
E17520
 15
 
 
 
 
 35
Bombardier             
CRJ90011
 4
 
 
 
 
 15
Total70
 56
 38
 20
 14
 81
 279
(2)On January 31, 2022, we entered into an amended purchase agreement with Boeing pursuant to which we agreed to purchase 23 additional Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft through the conversion of existing purchase options. We also intend to exercise purchase options for an additional seven aircraft in 2022, bringing our total incremental firm order of Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft to 30, with 15 of such aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 15 scheduled to be delivered in 2024. In addition, we entered into an amended purchase agreement with Boeing to defer the delivery of certain Boeing 787 Family aircraft previously scheduled to be delivered beginning in January 2023. Pursuant to this amendment, deliveries of these aircraft are now scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will continue into 2027. The table above and the table in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – “Contractual Obligations” reflect our purchase commitments after giving effect to these amendments and assumes our exercise of the seven 737 MAX Family aircraft purchase options mentioned above.
We also have agreements for 3539 spare engines to be delivered in 20192022 and beyond.
We currently have financing commitments in place for all aircraft currently on order and scheduled to be delivered through June 2019. We do not have financing commitments for the following aircraft currently on order and scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2019: seven Embraer E175 aircraft,2022 except for five Airbus A320neo Family aircraft and three Boeing 737 MAX FamilyEmbraer 175 aircraft. Our ability to draw on the financing commitments we have in place is subject to (1) the satisfaction of various terms and conditions including, in some cases, on our acquisition of the aircraft by a certain date and (2) the performance by the counterparty providing such financing commitments of its obligations thereunder. We do not have financing commitments in place for remainingany of the aircraft currently on order and scheduled to be delivered in 20202023 and beyond, with the exception of four Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft.except for seven Boeing 787 Family aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and one Boeing 787 Family aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2024. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors –“We will need to obtain sufficient financing or other capital to operate successfully” for additional discussion.
See Note 1211 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 10 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional information on aircraft and engine acquisition commitments.
Ground Properties
At each airport where we conduct flight operations, we have agreements, generally with a governmental unit or authority, for the use of passenger, operations and baggage handling space as well as runways and taxiways. These agreements, particularly in the U.S., often contain provisions for periodic adjustments to rates and charges applicable under such agreements. These rates and charges also vary with our level of operations and the operations of the airport. Additionally, at our hub locations and in certain other cities we serve, we lease administrative offices, catering, cargo, training, maintenance and other facilities.
We own our corporate headquarters buildings in Fort Worth, Texas. We lease or have built on leased property our headquarters and training facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, our principal overhaul and maintenance base in Tulsa, Oklahoma, our regional reservation offices, and administrative offices throughout the U.S. and abroad. Construction continues on a new, five-building headquarters on the corporate campus in Fort Worth, Texas, which is scheduled for completion and move-in in phases over the second half of 2019.


ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ChapterSee Note 11 Cases. On November 29, 2011, AMR, American,to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and certain of AMR’s other direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (the Debtors) filed voluntary petitionsNote 10 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the Bankruptcy Court). On October 21, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving and confirming the Debtors’ fourth amended joint plan of reorganization (as amended, the Plan). On the Effective Date, December 9, 2013, the Debtors consummated their reorganization pursuant to the Plan and completed the Merger.information on legal proceedings.
Pursuant to rulings of the Bankruptcy Court, the Plan established the Disputed Claims Reserve to hold shares of AAG common stock reserved for issuance to disputed claimholders at the Effective Date that ultimately become holders of allowed claims. The shares of AAG common stock issued to the Disputed Claims Reserve were originally issued on December 13, 2013 and have at all times since been included in the number of shares issued and outstanding as reported from time to time in our quarterly and annual reports, including for purposes of calculating earnings per share. As disputed claims are resolved, the claimants will receive distributions of shares from the Disputed Claims Reserve. However, we are not required to distribute additional shares above the limits contemplated by the Plan, even if the shares remaining for distribution in the Disputed Claims Reserve are not sufficient to fully pay any additional allowed unsecured claims. To the extent that any of the reserved shares remain undistributed upon resolution of all remaining disputed claims, such shares will not be returned to us but rather will be distributed to former AMR stockholders and former convertible noteholders treated as stockholders under the Plan. On February 12, 2019, in accordance with the approval granted by the Bankruptcy Court on December 6, 2018, an aggregate of approximately 17.3 million shares of AAG common stock were distributed from the Disputed Claims Reserve to former AMR shareholders and convertible noteholders. After giving effect to this distribution, the Disputed Claims Reserve holds approximately 7.2 million shares of AAG common stock.
Private Party Antitrust Action Related to Passenger Capacity. We, along with Delta Air Lines, Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., United Airlines, Inc. and, in the case of litigation filed in Canada, Air Canada, have been named as defendants in approximately 100 putative class action lawsuits alleging unlawful agreements with respect to air passenger capacity. The U.S. lawsuits have been consolidated in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia (the DC Court). On June 15, 2018, we reached a preliminary settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the amount of $45 million that, once approved, will resolve all claims in the U.S. lawsuits. That settlement received preliminary approval from the DC Court on June 18, 2018.
Private Party Antitrust Action Related to the Merger. On August 6, 2013, a lawsuit captioned Carolyn Fjord, et al., v. AMR Corporation, et al., was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint named as defendants US Airways Group, US Airways, AMR and American, alleged that the effect of the Merger may be to create a monopoly in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Antitrust Act, and sought injunctive relief and/or divestiture. On November 27, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court denied plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily enjoin the Merger. On August 29, 2018, the Court denied in part defendants' motion for summary judgment, and fully denied plaintiffs' cross-motion for summary judgment. A bench trial is presently scheduled for March 2019. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend against the allegations.
DOJ Investigation Related to the United States Postal Service. In April 2015, the Department of Justice (DOJ) informed us of an inquiry regarding American’s 2009 and 2011 contracts with the United States Postal Service for the international transportation of mail by air. In October 2015, we received a Civil Investigative Demand from the DOJ seeking certain information relating to these contracts and the DOJ has also sought information concerning certain of the airlines that transport mail on a codeshare basis. The DOJ has indicated it is investigating potential violations of the False Claims Act or other statutes. We are cooperating fully with the DOJ with regard to its investigation.
General. In addition to the specifically identified legal proceedings, we and our subsidiaries are also engaged in other legal proceedings from time to time. Legal proceedings can be complex and take many months, or even years, to reach resolution, with the final outcome depending on a number of variables, some of which are not within our control. Therefore, although we will vigorously defend ourselves in each of the actions described above and such other legal proceedings, their ultimate resolution and potential financial and other impacts on us are uncertain but could be material. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors –“We may be a party to litigation in the normal course of business or otherwise, which could affect our financial position and liquidity” for additional discussion.
ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.

applicable.

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PART II
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP’S COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP’S COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Stock Exchange Listing
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQThe Nasdaq Global Select Market (NASDAQ) under the trading symbol “AAL.” There is no trading market for the common stock of American, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAG.
As of February 20, 2019, the closing price18, 2022, there were approximately 13,000 holders of record of our common stock was $35.06 and there were 13,685 holders of record.stock. However, because many of the shares of our common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we believe there are substantially more beneficial holders of our common stock than record holders.
Information on securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20192022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of American Airlines Group Inc. (the Proxy Statement) under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information”Information��� and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Dividends ofon Common Stock
In January 2019, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a $0.10 per shareThere were no cash dividend for stockholders of record on February 6, 2019, and payable on February 20, 2019.
payments during the year ended December 31, 2021. The total cash payment for dividends during the yearsyear ended December 31, 20182020 was $43 million. In connection with our receipt of financial assistance under PSP1, PSP2 and 2017 was $186 million and $198 million, respectively. AnyPSP3, we agreed not to pay dividends on AAG common stock through at least September 30, 2022. If we determine to make any dividends in the future, such dividends that may be declared and paid from time to time will be subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. We are not obligated to continue a dividend for any fixed period, and the payment of dividends may be suspended or discontinued again at any time at our discretion and without prior notice.
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Stock Performance Graph
The following stock performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
The following stock performance graph compares the cumulative total stockholder returns during the period from December 31, 20132016 to December 31, 20182021 of our common stock to the Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500 Stock Index and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) ARCA Airline Index and the Standard and Poor’s Financial Services, LLC (S&P) 500 Stock Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 20132016 in our common stock and in each of the foregoing indices and assumes that all dividends were reinvested. The stock performance shown on the following graph represents historical stock performance and is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

aal-20211231_g1.jpg

chart-67368081c5635809a1fa01.jpg
12/31/2013 12/31/2014 12/31/2015 12/31/2016 12/31/2017 12/31/201812/31/201612/31/201712/31/201812/31/201912/31/202012/31/2021
American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL)$100
 $213
 $170
 $189
 $213
 $133
American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL)$100 $112 $70 $63 $35 $40 
NYSE ARCA Airline Index (XAL)100
 149
 125
 159
 167
 130
NYSE ARCA Airline Index (XAL)100 105 82 99 75 74 
S&P 500 Index (GSPC)100
 111
 111
 121
 145
 136
S&P 500 Index (GSPC)100 119 112 144 168 213 
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The authority to repurchase $420 million of remaining shares under our most recent $2.0 billion share repurchase program expired on December 31, 2020. In 2018,connection with our receipt of financial assistance under PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3, we repurchased 16.6 millionagreed not to repurchase shares of AAG common stock for $800 millionthrough at a weighted average cost per share of $48.15. In 2017, we repurchased 33.9 million shares of AAG common stock for $1.6 billion at a weighted average cost per share of $45.68. Since the inception of our share repurchase programs in July 2014 through December 31, 2018, we have repurchased 278.9 million shares of AAG common stock for $11.3 billion at a weighted average cost per share of $40.69.least September 30, 2022.
We did not make any purchases of shares of AAG common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2018.
Share repurchases under our repurchase programs may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, block trades or accelerated share repurchase transactions. Any such repurchases that may be made from time to time will be subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. We are not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares and our repurchase of AAG common stock may be limited, suspended or discontinued at any time at our discretion and without prior notice.
See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “We have ceased making repurchases of our common stock and paying dividends on our common stock as required by the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP. Following the end of those restrictions, if we do decide to make repurchases of or pay dividends on our common stock, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to repurchase our common stock or pay dividends on our common stockdo so or that our capital deployment program will enhance long-term stockholder value. Our capital deployment program could increase the volatility
64

Ownership Restrictions
AAG’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that, consistent with the requirements of Subtitle VII of Title 49 of the United States Code, as amended (the Aviation Act), any persons or entities who are not a “citizen of the United States” (as defined under the Aviation Act and administrative interpretations issued by the DOT, its predecessors and successors, from time to time), including any agent, trustee or representative of such persons or entities (a non-citizen), shall not, in the aggregate, own (beneficially or of record) and/or control more than (a) 24.9% of the aggregate votes of all of our outstanding equity securities or (b) 49.0% of our outstanding equity securities. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws further specify that it is the duty of each stockholder who is a non-citizen to register his, her or its equity securities on our foreign stock record and provide for remedies applicable to stockholders that exceed the voting and ownership caps described above.


In addition, to reduce the risk of a potential adverse effect on our ability to use our NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards and certain other tax attributes for federal income tax purposes, and in connection with the expiration in December 2021 of certain transfer restrictions applicable to substantial shareholders contained in our Certificate of Incorporation, containsthe Board of Directors of AAG adopted the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan in order to preserve our ability to use our NOLs and certain restrictions onother tax attributes to reduce potential future income tax obligations. The Tax Benefits Preservation Plan is designed to reduce the acquisitionlikelihood that we experience an "ownership change” for purposes of Section 382 by deterring certain acquisitions of AAG common stock. There is no assurance, however, that the deterrent mechanism will be effective, and dispositionsuch acquisitions may still occur. In addition, the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan may adversely affect the marketability of ourAAG common stock by discouraging existing or potential investors from acquiring AAG common stock or additional shares of AAG common stock, because any non-exempt third party that acquires 4.9% or more of the then-outstanding shares of AAG common stock would suffer substantial dilution of its ownership interest in AAG. We intend to submit the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan for ratification to our stockholders (generally holdersat the 2022 Annual Meeting of more than 4.75%).Stockholders of American Airlines Group Inc.
See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “AAG’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include provisions that limit voting and acquisition and disposition of our equity interests.interests and specify an exclusive forum for certain stockholder disputes” and “Our ability to utilize our NOLs and other carryforwards may be limited.Also see AAG’s Certification of Incorporation and Bylaws, which are filed as Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 hereto, for the full text of the foregoing restrictions.

restrictions and AAG’s Description of the Registrants’ Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto, for a more detailed description.

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ITEM 6.  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
We adopted three new accounting standards as of January 1, 2018: Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) (the New Lease Standard), ASU 2014-09: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (the New Revenue Standard) and ASU 2017-07: Compensation - Retirement Benefits (the New Retirement Standard). The 2017 and 2016 financial information presented within Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data has been recast to reflect the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard and the New Retirement Standard. The New Lease Standard did not require the recast of prior periods. See Note 1(b) to AAG’s and American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Items 8A and 8B, respectively, for further information on the impacts of these new accounting standards.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data of AAG
The selected consolidated financial data presented below under the captions “Consolidated Statements of Operations data” and “Consolidated Balance Sheet data” for the years ended and as of December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 20152021, 2020 and 20142019, are derived from AAG’s audited consolidated financial statements.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 (In millions, except share and per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations data:         
Total operating revenues$44,541
 $42,622
 $40,142
 $40,990
 $42,650
Total operating expenses41,885
 38,391
 35,082
 34,786
 38,401
Operating income2,656
 4,231
 5,060
 6,204
 4,249
Net income1,412
 1,282
 2,584
 7,610
 2,882
Earnings per common share:         
Basic$3.04
 $2.62
 $4.68
 $11.39
 $4.02
Diluted3.03
 2.61
 4.65
 11.07
 3.93
Shares used for computation (in thousands):         
Basic464,236
 489,164
 552,308
 668,393
 717,456
Diluted465,660
 491,692
 556,099
 687,355
 734,016
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.40
 $0.40
 $0.40
 $0.40
 $0.20
          
Consolidated Balance Sheet data
(at end of period):
         
Total assets$60,580
 $52,785
 $53,610
 $48,415
 $43,225
Debt and finance leases24,473
 25,065
 24,344
 20,561
 17,720
Pension and postretirement obligations (1)
6,937
 7,596
 7,946
 7,566
 7,689
Operating lease liabilities9,556
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)(169) (780) (286) 5,635
 2,021
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
 (In millions, except share and per share amounts)
Consolidated Statements of Operations data:
Total operating revenues$29,882 $17,337 $45,768 
Total operating expenses30,941 27,758 42,703 
Operating income (loss)(1,059)(10,421)3,065 
Net income (loss)(1,993)(8,885)1,686 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic$(3.09)$(18.36)$3.80 
Diluted(3.09)(18.36)3.79 
Shares used for computation (in thousands):
Basic644,015 483,888 443,363 
Diluted644,015 483,888 444,269 
Cash dividends declared per common share$— $0.10 $0.40 
Consolidated Balance Sheet data
(at end of period):
Total assets$66,467 $62,008 $59,995 
Debt and finance leases38,060 32,593 24,315 
Pension and postretirement obligations (1)
5,150 7,131 6,081 
Operating lease liabilities8,117 8,428 9,129 
Stockholders’ deficit(7,340)(6,867)(118)
(1)Substantially all defined benefit pension plans were frozen effective November 1, 2012. See Note 9 to AAG's Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information on pension and postretirement benefits.
(1)
Substantially all defined benefit pension plans were frozen effective November 1, 2012. See Note 10 to AAG's Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information on pension and postretirement benefits.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We sometimes use financial measures that are derived from the consolidated financial statements but that are not presented in accordance with GAAPaccounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) to understand and evaluate our current operating performance and to allow for period-to-period comparisons. We believe 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. We are providing a reconciliation of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their comparable financial measures on a GAAP basis.

66

The following table presents the components of our total net special items and the reconciliation of pre-tax incomeloss and net incomeloss (GAAP measures) to pre-tax incomeloss excluding net special items and net incomeloss excluding net special items (non-GAAP measures). Management uses pre-tax income excluding special items and net income excluding special itemsthese non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our 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 allows management an additional tool to understand our core operating performance.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
 (In millions)
Components of Total Special Items, Net: (1)
     
Fleet restructuring expenses (2)
$422
 $232
 $177
Merger integration expenses (3)
268
 273
 514
Severance expenses (4)
58
 
 
Litigation settlement (5)
45
 
 
Intangible asset impairment (6)
26
 
 
Labor contract expenses13
 46
 
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (7)
(76) 27
 25
Employee 2017 Tax Act bonus expense (8)

 123
 
Other operating charges (credits), net31
 11
 (7)
Mainline operating special items, net787
 712
 709
Regional operating special items, net6
 22
 14
Operating special items, net793
 734
 723
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity investments, net (9)
104
 
 
Debt refinancing and extinguishment charges13
 22
 49
Other nonoperating credits, net(4) 
 
Nonoperating special items, net113
 22
 49
Pre-tax special items, net906
 756
 772
Income tax special items (10)
18
 
 
Impact of the 2017 Tax Act (11)

 823
 
Income tax special items, net18
 823
 
Total special items, net$924
 $1,579
 $772
      
Reconciliation of Pre-Tax Income Excluding Special Items:     
Pre-tax income – GAAP$1,884
 $3,395
 $4,152
Adjusted for: Pre-tax special items, net906
 756
 772
Pre-tax income excluding special items$2,790
 $4,151
 $4,924
      
Reconciliation of Net Income Excluding Special Items:     
Net income – GAAP$1,412
 $1,282
 $2,584
Adjusted for: Total special items, net924
 1,579
 772
Adjusted for: Net tax effect of special items(219) (269) (275)
Net income excluding special items$2,117
 $2,592
 $3,081
 Year Ended December 31,
 20212020
 (In millions)
Components of Total Special Items, Net: (1)
PSP Financial Assistance (2)
$(4,162)$(3,710)
Severance expenses (3)
168 1,408 
Litigation reserve adjustments(19)— 
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (4)
(3)(49)
Fleet impairment (5)
— 1,484 
Labor contract expenses (6)
— 228 
Other operating special items, net10 (18)
Mainline operating special items, net(4,006)(657)
PSP Financial Assistance (2)
(539)(444)
Regional pilot retention program (7)
61 — 
Fleet impairment (5)
27 117 
Severance expenses (3)
18 
Regional operating special items, net(449)(309)
Operating special items, net(4,455)(966)
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net (8)
31 135 
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net29 35 
Nonoperating special items, net60 170 
Pre-tax special items, net(4,395)(796)
Total special items, net$(4,395)$(796)
Reconciliation of Pre-Tax Loss Excluding Net Special Items:
Pre-tax loss – GAAP$(2,548)$(11,453)
Adjusted for: Pre-tax special items, net(4,395)(796)
Pre-tax loss excluding net special items$(6,943)$(12,249)
Reconciliation of Net Loss Excluding Net Special Items:
Net loss – GAAP$(1,993)$(8,885)
Adjusted for: Total special items, net(4,395)(796)
Adjusted for: Net tax effect of net special items993 170 
Net loss excluding net special items$(5,395)$(9,511)
(1)
See Note 2 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information on special items.
(2)
Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and rent expense for aircraft and related equipment grounded or expected to be grounded earlier than planned.
(3)
Merger integration expenses included costs associated with integration projects, principally our flight attendant, human resources and payroll, and technical operations systems.

(1)See Note 2 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information on net special items.

(4)
Severance expenses primarily included costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members.
(5)
Settlement of a private party antitrust lawsuit. See Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings - “Private Party Antitrust Action Related to Passenger Capacity” for further discussion.
(6)
Intangible asset impairment includes a non-cash charge to write-off our Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement.
(7)
Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of our common stock are marked-to-market based on our stock price.
(8)
Employee bonus expense included costs related to the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in recognition of H.R. 1, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act).
(9)
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity investments relate to net unrealized losses primarily associated with our equity investments in China Southern Airlines and Mesa Air Group, Inc.
(10)
Income tax special items for 2018 included an $18 million charge related to an international income tax matter.
(11)
Impact of the 2017 Tax Act includes an $823 million non-cash charge to income tax expense to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on our deferred tax asset and liabilities resulting from the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.

(2)The 2021 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP2 and PSP3 Agreements. See Note 1(b) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information. The 2020 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement.

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(3)Severance expenses include salary and medical costs primarily associated with certain team members who opted into voluntary early retirement programs offered as a result of reductions to our operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash payments primarily associated with our voluntary early retirement programs were approximately $520 million and $365 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(4)Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of our common stock are marked-to-market based on our stock price.
(5)Fleet impairment charges resulted from the retirement of certain aircraft earlier than planned driven by the severe decline in air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we retired our remaining Embraer 140 fleet resulting in a non-cash write-down of these regional aircraft. See Note 1(g) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information related to these charges.
In 2020, we retired our entire Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 fleets as well as certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft resulting in a $1.5 billion non-cash write-down of mainline and regional aircraft and associated spare parts and $109 million in cash charges primarily for impairment of right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease return costs.
(6)The 2020 labor contract expenses primarily related to one-time charges due to the ratification of a new contract with the TWU-IAM Association for our maintenance and fleet service team members, including signing bonuses and adjustments to vacation accruals resulting from pay rate increases.
(7)Our regional pilot retention program provides for, among other things, a cash retention bonus paid in the fourth quarter of 2021 to eligible captains at our wholly-owned regional airlines included on the pilot seniority list as of September 1, 2021.
(8)Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net primarily related to net unrealized gains and losses associated with our equity investments in China Southern Airlines and in 2021, Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (Vertical), and certain treasury rate lock derivative instruments.
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Additionally, the table below presents the reconciliation of total operating costsexpenses (GAAP measure) to total operating costs excluding net special items and fuel (non-GAAP measure). and total operating cost per available seat mile (CASM) to CASM excluding net special items and fuel. Management uses total operating costs excluding net special items and fuel and CASM excluding net special items and fuel to evaluate our current operating performance and for period-to-period comparisons. The price of fuel, over which we have no control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance. The adjustment to exclude aircraft fuel and net special items allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze our non-fuel costs and core operating performance. Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Reconciliation of Total Operating Costs per Available Seat
Mile (CASM) Excluding Special Items and Fuel:
     
(In millions)     
Total operating expenses - GAAP$41,885
 $38,391
 $35,082
Special items (1):
     
Special items, net(787) (712) (709)
Regional operating special items, net(6) (22) (14)
Fuel:     
Aircraft fuel and related taxes - mainline(8,053) (6,128) (5,071)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes - regional(1,843) (1,382) (1,109)
Total operating expenses, excluding special items and fuel$31,196
 $30,147
 $28,179
(In millions)     
Total Available Seat Miles (ASM)282,054
 276,493
 273,410
(In cents)     
Total operating CASM14.85
 13.88
 12.83
Special items per ASM (1):
     
Special items, net(0.28) (0.26) (0.26)
Regional operating special items, net
 (0.01) (0.01)
Fuel per ASM:     
Aircraft fuel and related taxes - mainline(2.86) (2.22) (1.85)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes - regional(0.65) (0.50) (0.41)
Total CASM, excluding special items and fuel11.06
 10.90
 10.31
 Year Ended December 31,
 20212020
Reconciliation of CASM Excluding Net Special Items and Fuel:
(In millions)
Total operating expenses – GAAP$30,941 $27,758 
Operating net special items (1):
Mainline operating special items, net4,006 657 
Regional operating special items, net449 309 
Aircraft fuel and related taxes(6,792)(3,402)
Total operating expenses, excluding net special items and fuel$28,604 $25,322 
(In millions)
Total Available Seat Miles (ASM)214,535 143,167 
(In cents)
CASM14.42 19.39 
Operating net special items per ASM (1):
Mainline operating special items, net1.87 0.46 
Regional operating special items, net0.21 0.22 
Aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM(3.17)(2.38)
CASM, excluding net special items and fuel13.33 17.69 
(1)
See Note 2 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information on special items.

(1)See Note 2 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information on net special items.

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Selected Consolidated Financial Data of American
The selected consolidated financial data presented below under the captions “Consolidated Statements of Operations data” and “Consolidated Balance Sheet data” for the years ended and as of December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 20152021, 2020 and 20142019, are derived from American’s audited consolidated financial statements. On December 30, 2015, US Airways merged with and into American, with American as the surviving corporation. For financial reporting purposes, this transaction constituted a transfer of assets between entities under common control and is reflected in American’s consolidated financial statements as though the transaction had occurred on December 9, 2013, when a subsidiary of AMR merged with and into US Airways Group, which represents the earliest date that American and US Airways were under common control.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 (In millions)
Consolidated Statements of Operations data:         
Total operating revenues$44,530
 $42,610
 $40,125
 $40,938
 $42,676
Total operating expenses41,807
 38,405
 35,045
 34,749
 38,410
Operating income2,723
 4,205
 5,080
 6,189
 4,266
Net income1,658
 1,285
 2,689
 8,120
 2,948
          
Consolidated Balance Sheet data
(at end of period):
         
Total assets$70,878
 $61,401
 $60,428
 $50,439
 $42,787
Debt and finance leases23,197
 23,294
 22,577
 18,826
 16,482
Pension and postretirement obligations (1)
6,893
 7,550
 7,904
 7,526
 7,649
Operating lease liabilities9,496
 
 
 
 
Stockholder’s equity11,770
 9,888
 8,578
 9,698
 1,406
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
 (In millions)
Consolidated Statements of Operations data:
Total operating revenues$29,880 $17,335 $45,761 
Total operating expenses30,841 27,559 42,714 
Operating income (loss)(961)(10,224)3,047 
Net income (loss)(1,777)(8,450)1,972 
Consolidated Balance Sheet data
(at end of period):
Total assets$71,145 $69,215 $71,890 
Debt and finance leases32,094 28,982 23,042 
Pension and postretirement obligations (1)
5,117 7,089 6,037 
Operating lease liabilities8,074 8,380 9,083 
Stockholder’s equity3,826 4,348 13,422 
(1)
Substantially all defined benefit pension plans were frozen effective November 1, 2012. See Note 8 to American's Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for further information on pension and postretirement benefits.

(1)Substantially all defined benefit pension plans were frozen effective November 1, 2012. See Note 8 to American's Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for further information on pension and postretirement benefits.

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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Background
Together with our wholly-owned regional airline subsidiaries and third-party regional carriers operating as American Eagle, we operate an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries through hubs and gateways in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. In 2018, approximately 204 million passengers boarded our flights.
20182021 Financial Overview
Fuel CostsImpact of COVID-19
COVID-19 has been declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has surfaced in nearly all regions of the world, which has driven the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to prevent or reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, testing regimes, closing of borders, “stay at home” orders and business closures. Ongoing global vaccination efforts and the U.S. Airline Industry
While 2018 marked another profitable yearcorresponding lifting of government restrictions in and between many markets resulted in a partial recovery in demand for the U.S. airline industry, higher fuel costs significantly impacted industry results. With respect to fuel costs, the price of Brent crude oil per barrel,air travel in 2021, which jet fuel prices tend to follow, was on average approximately 33% higher in 2018improved our revenues as compared to 2017.2020. However, the return of demand was weaker than previous expectations and the speed and strength of this recovery remain uncertain, primarily due to the global rise in COVID-19 cases associated with the delta and omicron variants and the potential for continuation or reimposition of restrictions on global travel. The average daily spot price for Brent crude oil during 2018 was $72 per barrelcontinued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any increases in infection rates, new variants and renewed governmental action to slow the spread of COVID-19 cannot be estimated.
We have taken aggressive actions since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate its effects on our business, including capacity reductions, structural changes to our fleet, cost reductions including implementing voluntary leave and early retirement programs, and steps to preserve cash and improve our overall liquidity position, consistent with the terms of the financial assistance we have received from the U.S. Government under the CARES Act, the PSP Extension Law and the ARP.
Capacity Reductions
Our capacity (as measured by available seat miles) continues to be reduced compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, with total capacity in 2021 down 24.7% as compared to an average daily spot price2019. Domestic capacity in 2021 was down 14.5% while international capacity was down 44.9% as compared to 2019.
We currently expect our first quarter of $54 per barrel during 2017. On a daily basis, Brent crude oil prices fluctuated during 2018 between a high2022 system capacity to be down 8% to 10% as compared to the first quarter of $86 per barrel to a low of $50 per barrel, and closed the year on December 31, 2018 at $54 per barrel. Brent crude oil prices were higher in the 2018 period due principally to reductions of global inventories driven by strong demand and continued production restraint led primarily by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). U.S. sanctions against Iran, coupled with declining output from Venezuela further limited supply. Concerns about slowing global growth and lower2019. While demand for oil surfaced in the fourth quarter of 2018 causing Brent crude oil prices to drop. With respect to revenue, the network U.S. airlines reported positive unit revenue growth in 2018 driven by strong demanddomestic and higher yields as airlines attempted to pass along the cost of rising fuel prices. The positive unit revenue growth in 2018 was led byshort-haul international markets primarily inhas largely recovered to 2019 levels, uncertainty remains regarding the Atlantic market, with the domestic market also contributing to the growth.
See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – Downturns in economic conditions could adversely affect our business,”Our business is very dependent on the price and availabilitytiming 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 our operating results and liquidity and Our business has been andfull recovery. We will continue to be affectedmatch our forward capacity with observed booking trends for future travel and make further adjustments to our capacity as needed.
Cost Reductions
In aggregate, we have reduced our 2021 operating expenditures by many changing economicapproximately $1.3 billion, which are permanent non-volume cost reductions and other conditions beyondefficiency measures. These reductions include approximately $600 million in labor productivity enhancements, $500 million in management salaries and benefits and $200 million in other permanent cost reductions. Also, during the first quarter of 2021, approximately 1,600 represented team members opted into a voluntary early retirement program.
Liquidity
As of December 31, 2021, we had $15.8 billion in total available liquidity, consisting of $12.4 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, $2.8 billion in undrawn capacity under revolving credit facilities and a total of $568 million in undrawn short-term revolving and other facilities.
During 2021, we completed the following financing transactions (see Note 4 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information):
issued $3.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 and $3.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 and entered into the $3.5 billion AAdvantage Term Loan Facility of which the full amount of term loans was drawn at closing;
repaid in full $750 million under the 2013 Revolving Facility, $1.6 billion under the 2014 Revolving Facility and $450 million under the April 2016 Revolving Facility, all of which was borrowed in the second quarter of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
repaid the $550 million of outstanding loans under, and terminated, the $7.5 billion secured term loan facility with Treasury (the Treasury Loan Agreement);
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issued 24.2 million shares of AAG common stock at an average price of $19.26 per share pursuant to an at-the-market offering for net proceeds of $460 million (approximately $650 million of at-the-market authorization remains available at December 31, 2021);
issued approximately $150 million in special facility revenue bonds related to JFK, of which $62 million was used to fund the redemption of other bonds related to JFK;
repaid in full $950 million of the outstanding balance under, and terminated, the April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility;
received approximately $94 million in proceeds from enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs) and other aircraft and flight equipment financing, all of which was used to repay existing indebtedness; and
received approximately $193 million of cash proceeds from the sale of property and equipment primarily related to aircraft fleets retired in 2020 and raised $181 million principally from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions.
In addition to the foregoing financings, during 2021, we received an aggregate of approximately $3.5 billion in financial assistance through the payroll support program (PSP2) established under the PSP Extension Law. In connection with our control, including global events that affect travel behavior,receipt of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP2 Promissory Note) to Treasury for $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.6 million shares (the PSP2 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock.
Also in 2021, we received an aggregate of approximately $3.3 billion in financial assistance through the payroll support program (PSP3) established under the ARP. In connection with our receipt of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP3 Promissory Note) to Treasury for $946 million in aggregate principal amount and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares (the PSP3 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock. See Note 1(b) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further discussion on PSP2 and PSP3.
A significant portion of our debt financing agreements contain covenants requiring us to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and/or contain loan to value, collateral coverage and/or peak debt service coverage ratio covenants.
Given the above actions and our resultscurrent assumptions about the future impact of operationsthe COVID-19 pandemic on travel demand, which could be volatile and fluctuatematerially different due to seasonality.the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, we expect to meet our cash obligations as well as remain in compliance with the debt covenants in our existing financing agreements for the next 12 months based on our current level of unrestricted cash and short-term investments, our anticipated access to liquidity (including via proceeds from financings), and projected cash flows from operations.

See Note 4 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for additional information on our debt obligations.

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AAG’s 20182021 Results
The selected financial data presented below is derived from AAG’s audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8A of this report and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the related notes thereto.
We adopted three new accounting standardsBeginning in the first quarter of 2021, aircraft fuel and related taxes as well as certain salaries, wages and benefits, other rent and landing fees, selling and other expenses are no longer allocated to regional expenses on our statements of January 1, 2018:operations. The 2020 consolidated statement of operations has been recast to conform to the New Lease Standard, the New Revenue Standard and the New Retirement Standard. The 2017 and 2016 financial information presented2021 presentation within this Item 7. Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsOperations. This statement of operations presentation change has been recastno impact on total operating expenses or net loss.
 Year Ended
December 31,
Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Increase
(Decrease) (2)
 20212020
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Passenger revenue$26,063 $14,518 $11,545 79.5
Cargo revenue1,314 769 545 70.8
Other operating revenue2,505 2,050 455 22.2
Total operating revenues29,882 17,337 12,545 72.4
Aircraft fuel and related taxes6,792 3,402 3,390 99.6
Salaries, wages and benefits11,817 11,229 588 5.2
Total operating expenses30,941 27,758 3,183 11.5
Operating loss(1,059)(10,421)(9,362)(89.8)
Pre-tax loss(2,548)(11,453)(8,905)(77.7)
Income tax benefit(555)(2,568)(2,013)(78.4)
Net loss(1,993)(8,885)(6,892)(77.6)
Pre-tax loss – GAAP$(2,548)$(11,453)$(8,905)(77.7)
Adjusted for: pre-tax net special items (1)
(4,395)(796)3,599 
nm (3)
Pre-tax loss excluding net special items$(6,943)$(12,249)$(5,306)(43.3)
(1)See Part II, Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data – “Reconciliation of GAAP to reflect the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue StandardNon-GAAP Financial Measures” and the New Retirement Standard. The New Lease Standard did not require the recast of prior periods. See Note 1(b)2 to AAG’s and American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, ItemsItem 8A and 8B, respectively, for further informationdetails on the impactscomponents of these new accounting standards.pre-tax net special items.
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 2018 2017 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Passenger revenue$40,676
 $39,131
 $1,545
 3.9
Cargo revenue1,013
 890
 123
 13.8
Other operating revenue2,852
 2,601
 251
 9.7
Total operating revenues44,541
 42,622
 1,919
 4.5
Mainline and regional aircraft fuel and related taxes9,896
 7,510
 2,386
 31.8
Salaries, wages and benefits12,251
 11,954
 297
 2.5
Total operating expenses41,885
 38,391
 3,494
 9.1
Operating income2,656
 4,231
 (1,575) (37.2)
Pre-tax income1,884
 3,395
 (1,511) (44.5)
Income tax provision472
 2,113
 (1,641) (77.7)
Net income1,412
 1,282
 130
 10.2
        
Pre-tax income – GAAP$1,884
 $3,395
 $(1,511) (44.5)
Adjusted for: Pre-tax special items, net (1)
906
 756
 150
 19.8
Pre-tax income excluding special items$2,790
 $4,151
 $(1,361) (32.8)
(2)Fluctuations may not be meaningful due to the volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(3)Not meaningful or greater than 100% change.
(1)
See Part II, Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data – Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Note 2 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for details on the components of special items.
Pre-Tax IncomeLoss and Net IncomeLoss
Pre-tax incomeloss and net incomeloss were $1.9$2.5 billion and $1.4$2.0 billion, respectively, in 2018, respectively.2021. This compares to 20172020 pre-tax incomeloss and net incomeloss of $3.4$11.5 billion and $1.3$8.9 billion, respectively. Excluding the effects of pre-tax net special items, pre-tax incomeloss was $2.8$6.9 billion and $4.2$12.2 billion in 20182021 and 2017,2020, respectively.
The year-over-year declinesimprovement in our pre-tax incomeloss, on both a GAAP basis and excluding pre-tax net special items, werewas principally due to higher revenues driven by a 29.0% increase in the average price per gallon of fuel. This increase wasdomestic and short-haul international leisure demand, offset in part by higher revenues driven by strong demand.an increase in our operating expenses due to a 49.8% increase in our capacity as compared to 2020 as demand returned from the trough of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Revenue
In 2018,2021, we reported total operating revenues of $44.5$29.9 billion, an increase of $1.9$12.5 billion, or 4.5%72.4%, as compared to 2017.2020. Passenger revenues were $40.7revenue was $26.1 billion, an increase of $1.5$11.5 billion, or 3.9%79.5%, as compared to 2017.2020. The increase in passenger revenuesrevenue in 2021 was due to a 2.1%75.9% increase in revenue passenger miles (RPMs) and a 1.8%an 11.2 point increase in yieldspassenger load factor. These increases were principally driven by strong demand. Domestic yields increased 0.9%a significant recovery in domestic and short-haul international yields rose 4.2%, led by a 5.3% increase in yield in the Atlantic market.leisure demand as compared to 2020.
In 2018,2021, cargo revenue was $1.0$1.3 billion, an increase of $123$545 million, or 13.8%70.8%, as compared to 2017,2020, primarily driven by increasesdue to a 50.5% increase in domesticcargo ton miles reflecting higher freight volumes as a result of adding international widebody capacity and international freight yields and international freight volume. the continuation of cargo-only flights, as well as a 13.4% increase in cargo yield as a result of higher rates.
Other revenue, driven by higher loyaltyoperating revenue increased $251$455 million, or 9.7%22.2%, in 20182021 as compared to 2017.


2020, driven primarily by higher revenue associated with our loyalty program.
Our total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) was 15.7913.93 cents in 2018,2021, a 2.4%15.0% increase as compared to 15.4212.11 cents in 2017.2020.
Fuel
Our mainline and regionalIn 2021, aircraft fuel expense totaled $9.9$6.8 billion, in 2018, which was $2.4an increase of $3.4 billion, or 31.8%99.6%, higher as compared to 2017.2020. This increase was primarily driven primarily by a 29.0%44.7% increase in fuel consumption as a result of increased capacity and a 37.9% increase in the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel including related taxes to $2.23$2.04 in 20182021 from $1.73$1.48 in 2017.2020.
As of December 31, 2018,2021, we did not have any fuel hedging contracts outstanding to hedge our fuel consumption. As such, and assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, we will continue to be fully exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. Our current policy is not to enter into transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, although we review that policy from time to time based on market conditions and other factors. As such, and assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, we will continue to be fully exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices.
Other Costs
We remain committed to actively managing our cost structure, which we believe is necessary in an industry whose economic prospects are heavily dependent upon two variables we cannot control: the health of the economygeneral economic conditions and the price of fuel. In particular, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a very rapid deterioration in general economic conditions.
Our 2018 total cost per available seat mile (CASM)2021 CASM was 14.8514.42 cents, an increasea decrease of 6.9%25.6%, from 13.8819.39 cents in 2017. The increase2020. This decrease in CASM was primarily driven by higher capacity due to increased passenger demand and cost reduction and efficiency initiatives discussed above, offset in part by an increase in fuel costs as described above.price.
Our 20182021 CASM excluding net special items and fuel was 11.0613.33 cents, an increasea decrease of 1.4%24.6%, from 10.9017.69 cents in 2017. The increase2020. This decrease in CASM excluding net special items and fuel was primarily driven by higher salaries, wagescapacity due to increased passenger demand and benefits.cost reduction and efficiency initiatives as previously discussed.
For a reconciliation of total operatingCASM to total operating CASM excluding net special items and fuel, see Part II, Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data – “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Liquidity
74
As


Table of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $7.6 billion in total available liquidity, consisting of $4.8 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments and $2.8 billion in undrawn revolving credit facilities. We also had restricted cash and short-term investments of $154 million.Contents
During 2018, we completed the following financing transactions:
Refinanced a $1.8 billion term loan facility at a lower interest rate and extended the maturity from 2020 to 2025;
Raised $1.9 billion in proceeds from aircraft and pre-delivery purchase deposit debt financing, of which approximately $513 million was used to repay existing indebtedness;
Raised approximately $1.1 billion in proceeds from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions;
Raised an incremental $500 million on a term loan facility; and
Increased our revolving credit facility commitments by $343 million, extended their maturities from 2022 to 2023 and improved their undrawn economics.
See Note 5 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 3 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional information on our debt obligations.
Additionally, we returned $986 million to our stockholders in 2018, consisting of $186 million in dividend payments and the repurchase of $800 million of AAG common stock, or 16.6 million shares at a weighted average cost per share of $48.15.


AAG’s Results of Operations
For a comparison of the 2020 to 2019 reporting periods, see Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – “AAG’s Results of Operations” of our 2020 Form 10-K.
Operating Statistics
The table below sets forth selected operating data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021 and 2016.2020.
 Year Ended December 31, Increase (Decrease) 2018-2017 Increase (Decrease) 2017-2016
 2018 2017 2016 
Revenue passenger miles (millions) (a)
231,160
 226,346
 223,477
 2.1% 1.3%
Available seat miles (millions) (b)
282,054
 276,493
 273,410
 2.0% 1.1%
Passenger load factor (percent) (c)
82.0
 81.9
 81.7
 0.1pts 0.2pts
Yield (cents) (d)
17.60
 17.29
 16.58
 1.8% 4.3%
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) (e)
14.42
 14.15
 13.55
 1.9% 4.5%
Total revenue per available seat mile (cents) (f)
15.79
 15.42
 14.68
 2.4% 5.0%
Aircraft at end of period1,551
 1,545
 1,536
 0.4% 0.6%
Fuel consumption (gallons in millions)4,447
 4,352
 4,347
 2.2% 0.1%
Average aircraft fuel price including related taxes (dollars per gallon)2.23
 1.73
 1.42
 29.0% 21.4%
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period128,900
 126,600
 122,300
 1.8% 3.5%
Operating cost per available seat mile (cents) (g)
14.85
 13.88
 12.83
 6.9% 8.2%
 Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
 20212020
Revenue passenger miles (millions) (a)
161,538 91,825 75.9%
Available seat miles (millions) (b)
214,535 143,167 49.8%
Passenger load factor (percent) (c)
75.364.111.2pts
Yield (cents) (d)
16.1315.812.0%
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) (e)
12.1510.1419.8%
Total revenue per available seat mile (cents) (f)
13.9312.1115.0%
Fuel consumption (gallons in millions)3,324 2,297 44.7%
Average aircraft fuel price including related taxes (dollars per gallon)2.041.4837.9%
Total operating cost per available seat mile (cents) (g)
14.4219.39(25.6)%
Aircraft at end of period (h)
1,432 1,399 2.4%
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period123,400 102,70020.2%
(a)
(a)Revenue passenger mile (RPM) – A basic measure of sales volume. One RPM represents one passenger flown one mile.
(b)
Available seat mile (ASM) – A basic measure of production. One ASM represents one seat flown one mile.
(c)
Passenger load factor – The percentage of available seats that are filled with revenue passengers.
(d)
Yield – A measure of airline revenue derived by dividing passenger revenue by RPMs.
(e)
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) – Passenger revenues divided by ASMs.
(f)
Total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) – Total revenues divided by ASMs.
(g)
Operating cost per available seat mile (CASM) – Operating expenses divided by ASMs.
Results of Operationssales volume. One RPM represents one passenger flown one mile.
(b)Available seat mile (ASM)2018 Compared to 2017A basic measure of production. One ASM represents one seat flown one mile.
Pre-tax income(c)Passenger load factor – The percentage of available seats that are filled with revenue passengers.
(d)Yield – A measure of airline revenue derived by dividing passenger revenue by RPMs.
(e)Passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) – Passenger revenue divided by ASMs.
(f)Total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) – Total revenues divided by ASMs.
(g)Total operating cost per available seat mile (CASM) – Total operating expenses divided by ASMs.
(h)Includes aircraft owned and net income were $1.9 billionleased by American as well as aircraft operated by third-party regional carriers under capacity purchase agreements. Excludes 36 mainline and $1.4 billion10 regional aircraft that are in 2018, respectively. This compares to 2017 pre-tax incometemporary storage at December 31, 2021 as follows: 36 Boeing 737-800, eight Embraer 145 and net income of $3.4 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively. Excluding the effects of pre-tax net special items, pre-tax income was $2.8 billion and $4.2 billion in 2018 and 2017, respectively. For reconciliation of pre-tax income excluding special items to their comparable measures on a GAAP basis, see Part II, Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data –“Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
The year-over-year declines in our pre-tax income on both a GAAP basis and excluding pre-tax net special items were principally driven by an increase in fuel costs, which was offset in part by higher revenues driven by strong demand.two Embraer 170.
Operating Revenues
 Year Ended December 31,IncreasePercent
Increase
 20212020
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Passenger$26,063 $14,518 $11,545 79.5
Cargo1,314 769 545 70.8
Other2,505 2,050 455 22.2
Total operating revenues$29,882 $17,337 $12,545 72.4
75

 Year Ended December 31, 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 2018 2017 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Passenger$40,676
 $39,131
 $1,545
 3.9
Cargo1,013
 890
 123
 13.8
Other2,852
 2,601
 251
 9.7
Total operating revenues$44,541
 $42,622
 $1,919
 4.5


Table of Contents

This table presents our total passenger revenue and the year-over-year change in certain operating statistics:
  Increase
vs. Year Ended December 31, 2020
 Year Ended December 31, 2021Passenger
Revenue
RPMsASMsLoad
Factor
Passenger
Yield
PRASM
 (In millions)
Passenger revenue$26,063 79.5%75.9%49.8%11.2pts2.0%19.8%
   Increase (Decrease)
vs. Year Ended December 31, 2017
 Year Ended December 31, 2018 
Passenger
Revenue
 RPMs ASMs 
Load
Factor
 
Passenger
Yield
 PRASM
 (In millions)            
Passenger revenue$40,676
 3.9% 2.1% 2.0% 0.1pts 1.8% 1.9%
Passenger revenue increased $1.5$11.5 billion, or 3.9%79.5%, in 20182021 from 20172020 primarily due to a 2.1%year-over-year75.9% increase in RPMs and a1.8% increase in yields driven by continued strong demand. Domestic yield increased 0.9%a significant recovery in domestic and short-haul international yields increased 4.2%, led byleisure demand, resulting in a 5.3% increase75.3% load factor in yield in the Atlantic market.2021.
Cargo revenue increased $123$545 million, or 13.8%70.8%, in 2021 from 20172020 primarily due to a 50.5% increase in cargo ton miles reflecting higher freight volumes as a result of adding international widebody capacity and the continuation of cargo-only flights, as well as a 13.4% increase in cargo yield as a result of higher rates.
Other operating revenue increased $455 million, or 22.2%, in 2021 from 2020 driven primarily by increases in domestic and international freight yields and international freight volume.
Other revenue increased $251 million, or 9.7%, in 2018 from 2017 primarily driven by higher revenue associated with our loyalty program. In 2018 and 2017, loyalty revenue included in other revenue was $2.4 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively.
Total operating revenues in 20182021 increased $1.9$12.5 billion, or 4.5%72.4%, from 20172020 driven principally by a 3.9%the increase in passenger revenue as described above. Our TRASM was 15.79increased 15.0% to 13.93 cents in 2018, a 2.4% increase as compared to 15.422021 from 12.11 cents in 2017.2020.
Operating Expenses
Year Ended December 31, Increase
(Decrease)
 Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
Year Ended December 31,Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
2018 2017  20212020
(In millions, except percentage changes) (In millions, except percentage changes)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes$8,053
 $6,128
 $1,925
 31.4
Aircraft fuel and related taxes$6,792 $3,402 $3,390 99.6
Salaries, wages and benefits12,251
 11,954
 297
 2.5
Salaries, wages and benefits11,817 11,229 588 5.2
Regional expensesRegional expenses3,204 2,962 242 8.2
Maintenance, materials and repairs2,050
 1,959
 91
 4.7
Maintenance, materials and repairs1,979 1,585 394 24.8
Other rent and landing fees1,900
 1,806
 94
 5.2
Other rent and landing fees2,619 2,004 615 30.7
Aircraft rent1,264
 1,197
 67
 5.6
Aircraft rent1,425 1,341 84 6.2
Selling expenses1,520
 1,477
 43
 2.9
Selling expenses1,098 666 432 65.0
Depreciation and amortization1,839
 1,702
 137
 8.1
Depreciation and amortization2,019 2,040 (21)(1.1)
Special items, net787
 712
 75
 10.5
Other5,088
 4,910
 178
 3.6
Regional expenses:       
Aircraft fuel and related taxes1,843
 1,382
 461
 33.4
Mainline operating special items, netMainline operating special items, net(4,006)(657)(3,349) nm
Other5,290
 5,164
 126
 2.5
Other3,994 3,186 808 25.4
Total operating expenses$41,885
 $38,391
 $3,494
 9.1
Total operating expenses$30,941 $27,758 $3,183 11.5
Total operating expenses increased $3.5$3.2 billion, or 9.1%11.5%, in 20182021 from 2017. The increase2020 primarily due to increases in operating expenses was primarily driven by an increase in fuel costs. See detailed explanations below relating to changes in total CASM.
Total CASM
We sometimes use financial measures that are derived from the consolidated financial statements but that are not presented in accordance with GAAP to understand and evaluate our current operating performance to allow for period-to-period comparisons. We believe 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. We are providing a reconciliation of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their comparable financial measures on a GAAP basis.


The table below presents the reconciliation of total operating expenses (GAAP measure) to total operating costs excluding special items and fuel (non-GAAP measure). Management uses total operating costs excluding special items and fuel to evaluate our current operating performance and for period-to-period comparisons. The price of fuel, over which we have no control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance. The adjustment to exclude aircraft fuel and related taxes and other costs due to our increased capacity, offset in part by a $3.5 billion increase in net operating special credits and cost reduction actions as described above. See further discussion of operating special items, allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze our non-fuel costs and core operating performance.
The major components of our total CASM and our total CASM excluding special items and fuel for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (amounts may not recalculate due to rounding):
 Year Ended December 31, 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 2018 2017 
 (In cents, except percentage changes)
Total CASM:     
Aircraft fuel and related taxes2.86
 2.22
 28.8
Salaries, wages and benefits4.34
 4.32
 0.5
Maintenance, materials and repairs0.73
 0.71
 2.6
Other rent and landing fees0.67
 0.65
 3.1
Aircraft rent0.45
 0.43
 3.5
Selling expenses0.54
 0.53
 0.9
Depreciation and amortization0.65
 0.62
 5.9
Special items, net0.28
 0.26
 8.3
Other1.80
 1.78
 1.6
Regional expenses:     
Aircraft fuel and related taxes0.65
 0.50
 30.7
Other1.88
 1.87
 0.4
Total CASM14.85
 13.88
 6.9
Special items, net:

 

 
Special items, net(0.28) (0.26) 8.3
Regional operating special items, net
 (0.01) 
nm (1)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes

 

 
Aircraft fuel and related taxes - mainline(2.86) (2.22) 28.8
Aircraft fuel and related taxes - regional(0.65) (0.50) 30.7
Total CASM, excluding special items and fuel11.06
 10.90
 1.4
(1) Not meaningful.
Significant changes in the components of total CASM are as follows:net below.
Aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM increased 28.8%$3.4 billion, or 99.6%, in 2021 from 2020 primarily due to a 29.1%44.7% increase in fuel consumption as a result of increased capacity and a 37.9% increase in the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel including related taxes to $2.21$2.04 in 20182021 from $1.71$1.48 in 2017, as well2020.
Other rent and landing fees increased $615 million, or 30.7%, in 2021 from 2020 primarily due to an increase in landing fees and variable rent as a 1.8%result of our increased capacity.
Aircraft rent increased $84 million, or 6.2%, in 2021 from 2020 primarily due to the delivery of 25 new leased mainline aircraft in 2021.
76

Selling expenses increased $432 million, or 65.0%, in 2021 from 2020 due to higher credit card fees and higher commission expense driven by the overall increase in gallons of fuel consumed.revenues.
Depreciation and amortization per ASM increased 5.9% duedecreased $21 million, or 1.1%, in part to our fleet renewal program, as we took delivery of eight owned mainline aircraft in 2018. The continued rollout of Premium Economy and harmonization of seating configurations across our fleet as well as information technology and software development projects associated with our merger integration also drove higher depreciation and amortization expense.
Regional aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM increased 30.7%2021 from 2020 primarily due to a 28.3% increase in the average price per gallonearly retirement of fuel to $2.30 in 2018 from $1.79 in 2017 as wellaircraft as a 4.0% increaseresult of the COVID-19 pandemic, offset in gallonspart by a write down of fuel consumed.


excess spare parts inventory.
Operating Special Items, Net
 Year Ended December 31,       
 2018 2017
 (In millions)
Fleet restructuring expenses (1)
$422
 $232
Merger integration expenses (2)
268
 273
Severance expenses (3)
58
 
Litigation settlement (4)
45
 
Intangible asset impairment (5)
26
 
Labor contract expenses13
 46
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (6)
(76) 27
Employee 2017 Tax Act bonus expense (7)

 123
Other operating charges, net31
 11
Total mainline operating special items, net787
 712
Regional operating special items, net6
 22
Total operating special items, net$793
 $734
 Year Ended December 31,       
 20212020
 (In millions)
PSP Financial Assistance (1)
$(4,162)$(3,710)
Severance expenses (2)
168 1,408 
Litigation reserve adjustments(19)— 
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (3)
(3)(49)
Fleet impairment (4)
— 1,484 
Labor contract expenses (5)
— 228 
Other operating special items, net10 (18)
Mainline operating special items, net(4,006)(657)
PSP Financial Assistance (1)
(539)(444)
Regional pilot retention program (6)
61 — 
Fleet impairment (4)
27 117 
Severance expenses (2)
18 
Regional operating special items, net(449)(309)
Operating special items, net$(4,455)$(966)
(1)The 2021 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP2 and PSP3 Agreements. See Note 1(b) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information. The 2020 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement.
(1)
(2)Severance expenses include salary and medical costs primarily associated with certain team members who opted into voluntary early retirement programs offered as a result of reductions to our operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash payments primarily associated with our voluntary early retirement programs were approximately $520 million and $365 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3)Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of our common stock are marked-to-market based on our stock price.
(4)Fleet impairment charges resulted from the retirement of certain aircraft earlier than planned driven by the severe decline in air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we retired our remaining Embraer 140 fleet resulting in a non-cash write-down of these regional aircraft. See Note 1(g) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further information related to these charges.
In 2020, we retired our entire Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 fleets as well as certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft resulting in a $1.5 billion non-cash write-down of mainline and regional aircraft and associated spare parts and $109 million in cash charges primarily for impairment of ROU assets and lease return costs.
(5)The 2020 labor contract expenses primarily related to one-time charges due to the ratification of a new contract with the TWU-IAM Association for our maintenance and fleet service team members, including signing bonuses and adjustments to vacation accruals resulting from pay rate increases.
77

(6)Our regional pilot retention program provides for, among other things, a cash retention bonus paid in the fourth quarter of 2021 to eligible captains at our wholly-owned regional airlines included on the pilot seniority list as of September 1, 2021.
Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and rent expense for aircraft and related equipment grounded or expected to be grounded earlier than planned.
(2)
Merger integration expenses included costs associated with integration projects, principally our flight attendant, human resources and payroll, and technical operations systems.
(3)
Severance expenses primarily included costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members.
(4)
Settlement of a private party antitrust lawsuit. See Note 12(e) - “Private Party Antitrust Action Related to Passenger Capacity” to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for further discussion.
(5)
Intangible asset impairment includes a non-cash charge to write-off our Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement.
(6)
Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of our common stock are marked-to-market based on our stock price.
(7)
Employee bonus expense included costs related to the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in recognition of H.R. 1, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act).
Nonoperating Results
  Year Ended December 31,Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  20212020
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Interest income$18 $41 $(23)(55.2)
Interest expense, net(1,800)(1,227)(573)46.8
Other income, net293 154 139 89.6
Total nonoperating expense, net$(1,489)$(1,032)$(457)44.4
  Year Ended December 31, 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2018 2017 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Interest income$118
 $94
 $24
 25.8
Interest expense, net(1,056) (1,053) (3) 0.3
Other income, net166
 123
 43
 35.0
Total nonoperating expense, net$(772) $(836) $64
 (7.7)
Our short-term investments in each period consisted of highly liquid investments that provided nominal returns. Interest income decreased in 2021 compared to 2020 primarily as a result of lower returns on our short-term investments. Interest expense, net increased $24 million, or 25.8%, in 2018 principally2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to a 103 basis point increasethe issuance of debt, including $10.0 billion associated with the AAdvantage Financing, to improve our liquidity position in average yieldsresponse to the COVID-19 pandemic. See Note 4 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in 2018 as compared to 2017.


Part II, Item 8A for further information on the AAdvantage Financing.
In 2018,2021, other nonoperating income, net principally included $308 million of non-service related pension and other postretirement benefit plan income, which reflects an increase in the expected return on pension plan assets in 2018 as compared to 2017. This income was offset in part by a $104 million net special charge for mark-to-market unrealized losses associated with certain of our equity investments, $55 million of net foreign currency losses principally associated with certain Latin American currencies and $13 million of net special charges associated with debt refinancings and extinguishments.
In 2017, other nonoperating income, net principally included $138$337 million of non-service related pension and other postretirement benefit plan income, offset in part by $22$60 million of net special charges principally for mark-to-market net unrealized losses associated with our equity investments in China Southern Airlines and Vertical and certain treasury rate lock derivative instruments and non-cash charges associated with debt refinancings and extinguishmentsextinguishments.
In 2020, other nonoperating income, net included $329 million of non-service related pension and $4other postretirement benefit plan income. This income was offset in part by $170 million of net special charges principally for mark-to-market unrealized losses associated with our equity investment in China Southern Airlines and certain treasury rate lock derivative instruments and $24 million of net foreign currency losses.losses, primarily associated with losses from Latin American currencies.
Income Taxes
In 2018,2021, we recorded an income tax provisionbenefit of $472$555 million at an effective rate of approximately 25%22%, which was substantially non-cash. This provision included an $18 million special income tax charge related to an international income tax matter. Substantially all of our incomeloss before income taxes is attributable to the United States. At December 31, 2018,2021, we had approximately $10.2$17.2 billion of gross federal NOLs and $3.2$3.0 billion of state NOLs, substantially all of which we expect to beother carryforwards available in 2019 to reduce future federal taxable income, of which $6.9 billion will expire beginning in 2024 if unused and $13.3 billion can be carried forward indefinitely. We also had approximately $6.0 billion of NOL carryforwards to reduce future state taxable income.income at December 31, 2021, which will expire in taxable years 2021 through 2041 if unused.
In 2017,2020, we recorded an income tax provisionbenefit of $2.1$2.6 billion at an effective rate of approximately 22%, which was substantially non-cash. This provision included a special, non-cash income tax charge of $823 million to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on our deferred tax asset and liabilities due to the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
See Note 76 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for additional information on income taxes.
78

American’s Results of Operations
For a comparison of the 2020 to 2019 reporting periods, see Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – 2017 Compared to 2016
Pre-tax income and net income were $3.4 billion and $1.3 billion in 2017, respectively. This compares to 2016 pre-tax income and net incomeAmerican’s Results of $4.2 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively. Excluding the effectsOperations” of pre-tax net special items, pre-tax income was $4.2 billion and $4.9 billion in 2017 and 2016, respectively. For reconciliation of pre-tax income excluding special items to their comparable measures on a GAAP basis, see Part II, Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data –“Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
The year-over-year declines in our pre-tax income on both a GAAP basis and excluding pre-tax net special items were principally driven by an increase in fuel costs and higher wage rates.American’s 2020 Form 10-K.
Operating Revenues
  Year Ended December 31,   
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2017 2016 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Passenger$39,131
 $37,045
 $2,086
 5.6
Cargo890
 785
 105
 13.3
Other2,601
 2,312
 289
 12.5
Total operating revenues$42,622
 $40,142
 $2,480
 6.2
This table presents our total passenger revenue and the year-over-year change in certain operating statistics:
   Increase (Decrease)
vs. Year Ended December 31, 2016
 Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 Passenger
Revenue
 RPMs ASMs Load
Factor
 Passenger
Yield
 PRASM
 (In millions)            
Passenger revenue$39,131
 5.6% 1.3% 1.1% 0.2pts 4.3% 4.5%


  Year Ended December 31,IncreasePercent
Increase
  20212020
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Passenger$26,063 $14,518 $11,545 79.5
Cargo1,314 769 545 70.8
Other2,503 2,048 455 22.2
Total operating revenues$29,880 $17,335 $12,545 72.4
Passenger revenue increased $2.1$11.5 billion, or 5.6%79.5%, in 20172021 from 20162020 primarily due to a 4.3% year-over-yearan increase in yieldsRPMs driven by stronga significant recovery in domestic and short-haul international leisure demand. Domestic yield increased 4.8% and international yields rose 4.0%, due principally to improved performance in Latin America.
Cargo revenue increased $105$545 million, or 13.3%70.8%, in 20172021 from 2016 driven2020 primarily bydue to an increase in cargo ton miles reflecting higher freight volume.volumes as a result of adding international widebody capacity and the continuation of cargo-only flights, as well as an increase in cargo yield as a result of higher rates.
Other operating revenue increased $289$455 million, or 12.5%22.2%, in 20172021 from 20162020 driven primarily by higher revenue associated with ourAmerican’s loyalty program. In 2017 and 2016, loyalty revenue included in other revenue was $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively.
Total operating revenues in 20172021 increased $2.5$12.5 billion, or 6.2%72.4%, from 20162020 driven principally by a 5.6%the increase in passenger revenue as described above. Our TRASM was 15.42 cents in 2017, a 5.0% increase as compared to 14.68 cents in 2016.
Operating Expenses
Year Ended December 31, 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
Year Ended
December 31,
Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
2017 2016  20212020
(In millions, except percentage changes) (In millions, except percentage changes)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes$6,128
 $5,071
 $1,057
 20.8
Aircraft fuel and related taxes$6,792 $3,402 $3,390 99.6
Salaries, wages and benefits11,954
 10,967
 987
 9.0
Salaries, wages and benefits11,811 11,224 587 5.2
Regional expensesRegional expenses3,111 2,746 365 13.3
Maintenance, materials and repairs1,959
 1,834
 125
 6.8
Maintenance, materials and repairs1,979 1,585 394 24.8
Other rent and landing fees1,806
 1,772
 34
 1.9
Other rent and landing fees2,619 2,004 615 30.7
Aircraft rent1,197
 1,203
 (6) (0.4)Aircraft rent1,425 1,341 84 6.2
Selling expenses1,477
 1,323
 154
 11.6
Selling expenses1,098 666 432 65.0
Depreciation and amortization1,702
 1,525
 177
 11.6
Depreciation and amortization2,019 2,040 (21)(1.1)
Special items, net712
 709
 3
 0.5
Other4,910
 4,634
 276
 5.9
Regional expenses:       
Aircraft fuel and related taxes1,382
 1,109
 273
 24.6
Mainline operating special items, netMainline operating special items, net(4,006)(657)(3,349)  nm
Other5,164
 4,935
 229
 4.6
Other3,993 3,208 785 24.5
Total operating expenses$38,391
 $35,082
 $3,309
 9.4
Total operating expenses$30,841 $27,559 $3,282 11.9
Total operating expenses increased $3.3 billion, or 9.4%11.9%, in 20172021 from 2016. The increase2020 primarily due to increases in operating expenses was primarily driven by an increase in fuel costs and higher wage rates. See detailed explanations below relating to changes in total CASM.
Total CASM
We sometimes use financial measures that are derived from the consolidated financial statements but that are not presented in accordance with GAAP to understand and evaluate our current operating performance to allow for period-to-period comparisons. We believe 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. We are providing a reconciliation of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their comparable financial measures on a GAAP basis.
The table below presents the reconciliation of total operating expenses (GAAP measure) to total operating costs excluding special items and fuel (non-GAAP measure). Management uses total operating costs excluding special items and fuel to evaluate our current operating performance and for period-to-period comparisons. The price of fuel, over which we have no control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance. The adjustment to exclude aircraft fuel and related taxes and other costs due to American’s increased capacity, offset in part by a $3.5 billion increase in net operating special credits and cost reduction actions as described above. See further discussion of operating special items, allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze our non-fuel costs and core operating performance.


The major components of our total CASM and our total CASM excluding special items and fuel for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (amounts may not recalculate due to rounding):
  Year Ended December 31, 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2017 2016 
 (In cents, except percentage changes)
Total CASM:     
Aircraft fuel and related taxes2.22
 1.85
 19.5
Salaries, wages and benefits4.32
 4.01
 7.8
Maintenance, materials and repairs0.71
 0.67
 5.6
Other rent and landing fees0.65
 0.65
 0.8
Aircraft rent0.43
 0.44
 (1.6)
Selling expenses0.53
 0.48
 10.3
Depreciation and amortization0.62
 0.56
 10.4
Special items, net0.26
 0.26
 0.6
Other1.78
 1.69
 4.8
Regional expenses:     
Aircraft fuel and related taxes0.50
 0.41
 23.2
Other1.87
 1.80
 3.5
Total CASM13.88
 12.83
 8.2
Special items, net:     
Special items, net(0.26) (0.26) (0.6)
Regional operating special items, net(0.01) (0.01) 48.4
Aircraft fuel and related taxes     
Aircraft fuel and related taxes - mainline(2.22) (1.85) 19.5
Aircraft fuel and related taxes - regional(0.50) (0.41) 23.2
Total CASM, excluding special items and fuel10.90
 10.31
 5.8
Significant changes in the components of total CASM are as follows:net below.
Aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM increased 19.5%$3.4 billion, or 99.6%, in 2021 from 2020 primarily due to a 21.4%44.7% increase in fuel consumption as a result of increased capacity and a 37.9% increase in the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel including related taxes to $1.71$2.04 in 20172021 from $1.41$1.48 in 2016, offset2020.
79

Other rent and landing fees increased $615 million, or 30.7%, in part by a 0.5% decrease in gallons of fuel consumed. The decrease in fuel consumption was primarily driven by the operation of more fuel efficient aircraft during 2017 in connection with our fleet renewal program.
Salaries, wages and benefits per ASM increased 7.8%2021 from 2020 primarily due to mid-contract pay rate increases for pilotsan increase in landing fees and flight attendants effectivevariable rent as a result of American’s increased capacity.
Aircraft rent increased $84 million, or 6.2%, in the second quarter of 2017, as well as rate increases for maintenance and fleet service work groups, which became effective in the third quarter of 2016.
Maintenance, materials and repairs per ASM increased 5.6% as compared to 20162021 from 2020 primarily due to a contract change that accelerated the timingdelivery of certain maintenance expenses incurred. Certain flight equipment was transitioned to a25 new flight hour based contract (referred to as power by the hour) where expense is incurred and recognized based on actual hours flown. Previously, this flight equipment was covered by a time and materials based contract where expense is incurred and recognized as maintenance is performed.
leased mainline aircraft in 2021.
Selling expenses per ASM increased 10.3% primarily$432 million, or 65.0%, in 2021 from 2020 due to higher commissionscredit card fees and higher commission expense driven by the overall increase in revenues as well as an increase in flown premium tickets, which are subject to higher commissions.revenues.
Depreciation and amortization per ASM increased 10.4%decreased $21 million, or 1.1%, in 2021 from 2020 primarily due to our fleet renewal program, as we took deliverythe early retirement of 57 owned mainline aircraft in 2017.
Regional aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM increased 23.2% primarily due to a 21.2%increase in the average price per gallon of fuel to $1.79 in 2017 from $1.48 in 2016 as well as a 2.8% increaseresult of the COVID-19 pandemic, offset in gallonspart by a write down of fuel consumed.


excess spare parts inventory.
Operating Special Items, Net
 Year Ended December 31,       
 2017 2016
 (In millions)
Merger integration expenses (1)
$273
 $514
Fleet restructuring expenses (2)
232
 177
Employee 2017 Tax Act bonus expense (3)
123
 
Labor contract expenses46
 
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (4)
27
 25
Other operating charges (credits), net11
 (7)
Total mainline operating special items, net712
 709
Regional operating special items, net22
 14
Total operating special items, net$734
 $723
 Year Ended December 31,
20212020
 (In millions)
PSP Financial Assistance (1)
$(4,162)$(3,710)
Severance expenses (2)
168 1,408 
Litigation reserve adjustments(19)— 
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (3)
(3)(49)
Fleet impairment (4)
— 1,484 
Labor contract expenses (5)
— 228 
Other operating special items, net10 (18)
Mainline operating special items, net(4,006)(657)
PSP Financial Assistance (1)
(539)(444)
Fleet impairment (4)
27 106 
Regional operating special items, net(512)(338)
Operating special items, net$(4,518)$(995)
(1)
Merger integration expenses included costs related to information technology, professional fees, re-branding of aircraft and airport facilities and training, and in 2016, also included costs related to alignment of labor union contracts and the launch of re-branded uniforms, both of which drove the $241 million year-over-year decrease in these expenses.
(2)
Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and remaining lease payments for aircraft and related equipment grounded or expected to be grounded earlier than planned.
(3)
Employee bonus expense included costs related to the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in
(1)The 2021 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of the 2017 Tax Act.
(4)
Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of our common stock are marked-to-market based on our stock price.
Nonoperating Results
  Year Ended December 31, 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2017 2016 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Interest income$94
 $63
 $31
 47.8
Interest expense, net(1,053) (991) (62) 6.2
Other income, net123
 20
 103
 nm
Total nonoperating expense, net$(836) $(908) $72
 (7.9)
Our short-term investments in each period consisted of highly liquid investments that provided nominal returns. Interest income increased $31 million, or 47.8%, principally due to a 50 basis point increase in average yields in 2017 as compared to 2016.
Interest expense, net increased $62 million in 2017 primarily due to higher outstanding debt as a resultportion of aircraft financings associated with our fleet renewal program.
Other nonoperating income, net in 2017 and 2016, principally included $138 million and $77 million, respectively, of non-service related pension and other postretirement benefit plan income, which reflects an increase in the expected return on pension plan assets in 2017 as compared to 2016. In 2017 and 2016, this income was offset in part by $22 million and $49 million, respectively, of net special charges associated with debt refinancings and extinguishments.



Income Taxes
In 2017 and 2016, we recorded an income tax provision of $2.1 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, which was substantially non-cash. Substantially all of our income before income taxes was attributablefinancial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the United States.
In 2017, we recorded a special, non-cash income tax charge of $823 million to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on our deferred tax assetPSP2 and liabilities due to the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
PSP3 Agreements. See Note 71(b) to AAG’sAmerican’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A8B for additional informationfurther information. The 2020 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement.
(2)Severance expenses include salary and medical costs primarily associated with certain team members who opted into voluntary early retirement programs offered as a result of reductions to American's operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash payments primarily associated with American's voluntary early retirement programs were approximately $520 million and $365 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3)Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of AAG common stock are marked-to-market based on income taxes.AAG’s stock price.
American’s Results(4)Fleet impairment charges resulted from the retirement of Operations
Results of Operations – 2018 Compared to 2017
American realized pre-tax income of $2.2 billion and net income of $1.7 billion in 2018. This compares to 2017 pre-tax income of $3.6 billion and net income of $1.3 billion.
The year-over-yearcertain aircraft earlier than planned driven by the severe decline in American’s pre-tax income was principally driven by an increase in fuel costs, which was offset in part by higher revenues driven by strong demand.
Operating Revenues
  Year Ended December 31, 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2018 2017 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Passenger$40,676
 $39,131
 $1,545
 3.9
Cargo1,013
 890
 123
 13.8
Other2,841
 2,589
 252
 9.7
Total operating revenues$44,530
 $42,610
 $1,920
 4.5
Passenger revenue increased $1.5 billion, or 3.9%, in 2018 from 2017air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, American retired its remaining Embraer 140 fleet resulting in a year-over-year increasenon-cash write-down of these regional aircraft. See Note 1(g) to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in RPMsPart II, Item 8B for further information related to these charges.
In 2020, American retired its entire Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and yields driven by continued strong demand. Domestic and international yields increased, led by an increase in yield in the Atlantic market.
Cargo revenue increased $123 million, or 13.8%, from 2017 driven primarily by increases in domestic and international freight yields and international freight volume.
Other revenue increased $252 million, or 9.7%, in 2018 from 2017 primarily driven by higher revenue associated with American’s loyalty program. In 2018 and 2017, loyalty revenue included in other revenue was $2.4 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively.
Total operating revenues in 2018 increased $1.9 billion, or 4.5%, from 2017 driven principally by a 3.9% increase in passenger revenue as described above.


Operating Expenses
  
Year Ended
December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2018 2017 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes$8,053
 $6,128
 $1,925
 31.4
Salaries, wages and benefits12,240
 11,942
 298
 2.5
Maintenance, materials and repairs2,050
 1,959
 91
 4.7
Other rent and landing fees1,900
 1,806
 94
 5.2
Aircraft rent1,264
 1,197
 67
 5.6
Selling expenses1,520
 1,477
 43
 2.9
Depreciation and amortization1,839
 1,702
 137
 8.1
Special items, net787
 712
 75
 10.5
Other5,090
 4,910
 180
 3.6
Regional expenses:       
Aircraft fuel and related taxes1,843
 1,382
 461
 33.4
Other5,221
 5,190
 31
 0.6
Total operating expenses$41,807
 $38,405
 $3,402
 8.9
Total operating expenses increased $3.4 billion, or 8.9%, in 2018 from 2017. The increase in operating expenses was primarily driven by an increase in fuel costs.
Significant changes in the components of American’s total operating expenses are as follows:
Aircraft fuel and related taxes increased 31.4% primarily due to a 29.1% increase in the average price per gallon of fuel to $2.21 in 2018 from $1.71 in 2017,Embraer 190 fleets as well as certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft resulting in a 1.8% increase$1.5 billion non-cash write-down of mainline and regional aircraft and associated spare parts and $109 million in gallonscash charges primarily for impairment of fuel consumed.ROU assets and lease return costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased 8.1% due in part(5)The 2020 labor contract expenses primarily related to American’s fleet renewal program, as American took delivery of eight owned mainline aircraft in 2018. The continued rollout of Premium Economy and harmonization of seating configurations across American’s fleet as well as information technology and software development projects associated with its merger integration also drove higher depreciation and amortization expense.
Regional aircraft fuel and related taxes increased 33.4% primarilyone-time charges due to the ratification of a 28.3% increase innew contract with the average price per gallon of fuelTWU-IAM Association for American's maintenance and fleet service team members, including signing bonuses and adjustments to $2.30 in 2018vacation accruals resulting from $1.79 in 2017 as well as a 4.0% increase in gallons of fuel consumed.


Operating Special Items, Netpay rate increases.
 Year Ended December 31,
2018 2017
 (In millions)
Fleet restructuring expenses (1)
$422
 $232
Merger integration expenses (2)
268
 273
Severance expenses (3)
58
 
Litigation settlement (4)
45
 
Intangible asset impairment (5)
26
 
Labor contract expenses13
 46
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (6)
(76) 27
Employee 2017 Tax Act bonus expense (7)

 123
Other operating charges, net31
 11
Total mainline operating special items, net787
 712
Regional operating special items, net
 3
Total operating special items, net$787
 $715
80

(1)
Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and rent expense for aircraft and related equipment grounded or expected to be grounded earlier than planned.
(2)
Merger integration expenses included costs associated with integration projects, principally American's flight attendant, human resources and payroll, and technical operations systems.
(3)
Severance expenses primarily included costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members.
(4)
Settlement of a private party antitrust lawsuit. See Note 10(e) - “Private Party Antitrust Action Related to Passenger Capacity” to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for further discussion.
(5)
Intangible asset impairment includes a non-cash charge to write-off American’s Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement.
(6)
Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of AAG common stock are marked-to-market based on AAG’s stock price.
(7)
Employee bonus expense included costs related to the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in recognition of the 2017 Tax Act.
Nonoperating Results
  Year Ended
December 31,
Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  20212020
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Interest income$34 $337 $(303)(90.0)
Interest expense, net(1,642)(1,171)(471)40.3
Other income, net292 155 137 87.7
Total nonoperating expense, net$(1,316)$(679)$(637)94.0
  
Year Ended
December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2018 2017 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Interest income$330
 $215
 $115
 53.4
Interest expense, net(1,028) (988) (40) 4.1
Other income, net167
 123
 44
 35.3
Total nonoperating expense, net$(531) $(650) $119
 (18.2)
American’s short-term investments in each period consisted of highly liquid investments that provided nominal returns. Interest income increased $115 million, or 53.4%, duedecreased in 2021 compared to higher2020 primarily as a result of lower interest-bearing related party receivables from American’sAmerican's parent company, AAG as well as a 103 basis point increaseand lower returns on American's short-term investments. Interest expense, net increased in average yields in 2018 as2021 compared to 2017.2020 primarily due to the issuance of debt, including $10.0 billion associated with the AAdvantage Financing, to improve American’s liquidity position in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. See Note 3 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for further information on the AAdvantage Financing.
In 2018,2021, other nonoperating income, net principally included $309 million of non-service related pension and other postretirement benefit plan income, which reflects an increase in the expected return on pension plan assets in 2018 as


compared to 2017. This income was offset in part by a $104 million net special charge for mark-to-market unrealized losses associated with certain of American’s equity investments, $54 million of net foreign currency losses principally associated with certain Latin American currencies and $13 million of net special charges associated with debt refinancings and extinguishments.
In 2017, other nonoperating income, net principally included $138$335 million of non-service related pension and other postretirement benefit plan income, offset in part by $22$60 million of net special charges principally for mark-to-market net unrealized losses associated with American’s equity investments in China Southern Airlines and Vertical and certain treasury rate lock derivative instruments and non-cash charges associated with debt refinancings and extinguishmentsextinguishments.
In 2020, other nonoperating income, net included $329 million of non-service related pension and $4other postretirement benefit plan income. This income was offset in part by $170 million of net special charges principally for mark-to-market unrealized losses associated with American’s equity investment in China Southern Airlines and certain treasury rate lock derivative instruments and $24 million of net foreign currency losses.losses, primarily associated with losses from Latin American currencies.
Income Taxes
American is parta member of the AAGAAG’s consolidated federal and certain state income tax return.returns.
In 2018,2021, American recorded an income tax provisionbenefit of $534$500 million at an effective rate of approximately 24%22%, which was substantially non-cash. This provision included an $18 million special income tax charge related to an international income tax matter. Substantially all of American’s incomeloss before income taxes is attributable to the United States. At December 31, 2018,2021, American had approximately $10.6$17.1 billion of gross federal NOLs and $3.1$2.4 billion of state NOLs, substantially all of which American expects to beother carryforwards available in 2019 to reduce future federal taxable income, of which $7.3 billion will expire beginning in 2024 if unused and $12.2 billion can be carried forward indefinitely. American also had approximately $6.0 billion of NOL carryforwards to reduce future state taxable income.income at December 31, 2021, which will expire in taxable years 2021 through 2041 if unused.
In 2017,2020, American recorded an income tax provisionbenefit of $2.3$2.5 billion at an effective rate of approximately 22%, which was substantially non-cash. This provision included a special, non-cash income tax charge of $924 million to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on the Company’s deferred tax asset and liabilities due to the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
See Note 5 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional information on income taxes.
Results of Operations – 2017 Compared to 2016
American realized pre-tax income of $3.6 billion and net income of $1.3 billion in 2017. This compares to $4.3 billion of pre-tax income and $2.7 billion of net income in 2016.
The year-over-year decline in American’s pre-tax income was principally driven by an increase in fuel costs and higher wage rates.
Operating Revenues
81
  
Year Ended
December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2017 2016 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Passenger$39,131
 $37,045
 $2,086
 5.6
Cargo890
 785
 105
 13.3
Other2,589
 2,295
 294
 12.8
Total operating revenues$42,610
 $40,125
 $2,485
 6.2


Passenger revenue increased $2.1 billion, or 5.6%, in 2017 from 2016 primarily due to a year-over-year increase in yields driven by strong demand.
Cargo revenue increased $105 million, or 13.3%, in 2017 from 2016 driven primarily by an increase in freight volume.
Other revenue increased $294 million, or 12.8%, in 2017 from 2016 driven by higher revenue associated with American’s loyalty program. In 2017 and 2016, loyalty revenue included in other revenue was $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively.
Total operating revenues in 2017 increased $2.5 billion, or 6.2%, from 2016 driven principally by a 5.6% increase in passenger revenue as described above.


Operating Expenses
  
Year Ended
December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2017 2016 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes$6,128
 $5,071
 $1,057
 20.8
Salaries, wages and benefits11,942
 10,958
 984
 9.0
Maintenance, materials and repairs1,959
 1,834
 125
 6.8
Other rent and landing fees1,806
 1,772
 34
 1.9
Aircraft rent1,197
 1,203
 (6) (0.4)
Selling expenses1,477
 1,323
 154
 11.6
Depreciation and amortization1,702
 1,525
 177
 11.6
Special items, net712
 709
 3
 0.5
Other4,910
 4,641
 269
 5.8
Regional expenses:       
Aircraft fuel and related taxes1,382
 1,109
 273
 24.6
Other5,190
 4,900
 290
 5.9
Total operating expenses$38,405
 $35,045
 $3,360
 9.6
Total operating expenses increased $3.4 billion, or 9.6%, in 2017 from 2016. The increase in operating expenses was primarily driven by an increase in fuel costs and higher wage rates.
Significant changes in the components of American’s total operating expenses are as follows:
Aircraft fuel and related taxes increased 20.8% primarily due to a 21.4% increase in the average price per gallon of fuel to $1.71 in 2017 from $1.41 in 2016, offset in part by a 0.5% decrease in gallons of fuel consumed. The decrease in fuel consumption was primarily driven by the operation of more fuel efficient aircraft during 2017 in connection with American’s fleet renewal program.
Salaries, wages and benefits increased 9.0% primarily due to mid-contract pay rate increases for pilots and flight attendants effective in the second quarter of 2017, as well as rate increases for maintenance and fleet service work groups, which became effective in the third quarter of 2016.
Maintenance, materials and repairs increased 6.8% as compared to 2016 primarily due to a contract change that accelerated the timing of certain maintenance expenses incurred. Certain flight equipment was transitioned to a new flight hour based contract (referred to as power by the hour) where expense is incurred and recognized based on actual hours flown. Previously, this flight equipment was covered by a time and materials based contract where expense is incurred and recognized as maintenance is performed.
Selling expenses increased 11.6% primarily due to higher commissions driven by the overall increase in revenues as well as an increase in flown premium tickets, which are subject to higher commissions.
Depreciation and amortization increased 11.6% primarily due to American’s fleet renewal program, as American took delivery of 57 owned mainline aircraft in 2017.
Regional aircraft fuel and related taxes increased 24.6% primarily due to a 21.2% increase in the average price per gallon of fuel to $1.79 in 2017 from $1.48 in 2016 as well as a 2.8% increase in gallons of fuel consumed.


Operating Special Items, Net
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
 (In millions)
Merger integration expenses (1)
$273
 $514
Fleet restructuring expenses (2)
232
 177
Employee 2017 Tax Act bonus expense (3)
123
 
Labor contract expenses46
 
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (4)
27
 25
Other operating charges (credits), net11
 (7)
Total mainline operating special items, net712
 709
Regional operating special items, net3
 13
Total operating special items, net$715
 $722
(1)
Merger integration expenses included costs related to information technology, professional fees, re-branding of aircraft and airport facilities and training, and in 2016, also included costs related to alignment of labor union contracts and the launch of re-branded uniforms, both of which drove the $241 million year-over-year decrease in these expenses.
(2)
Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and remaining lease payments for aircraft and related equipment grounded or expected to be grounded earlier than planned.
(3)
Employee bonus expense included costs related to the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in recognition of the 2017 Tax Act.
(4)
Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of AAG common stock are marked-to-market based on AAG’s stock price.
Nonoperating Results
  
Year Ended
December 31,
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
  2017 2016 
 (In millions, except percentage changes)
Interest income$215
 $104
 $111
 nm
Interest expense, net(988) (906) (82) 9.1
Other income, net123
 18
 105
 nm
Total nonoperating expense, net$(650) $(784) $134
 (17.1)
American’s short-term investments in each period consisted of highly liquid investments that provided nominal returns. Interest income increased $111 million due to higher interest-bearing related party receivables from American’s parent company, AAG, as well as a 50 basis point increase in average yields in 2017 as compared to 2016.
Interest expense, net increased $82 million in 2017 primarily due to higher outstanding debt as a result of aircraft financings associated with American’s fleet renewal program.
Other nonoperating income, net in 2017 and 2016, principally included $138 million and $77 million, respectively, of non-service related pension and other postretirement benefit plan income, which reflects an increase in the expected return on pension plan assets in 2017 as compared to 2016. In 2017 and 2016, this income was offset in part by $22 million and $49 million, respectively, of net special charges associated with debt refinancings and extinguishments.
Income Taxes
American is part of the AAG consolidated income tax return.


In 2017 and 2016, American recorded an income tax provision of $2.3 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, which was substantially non-cash. Substantially all of American’s income before income taxes was attributable to the United States.
In 2017, American recorded a special, non-cash income tax charge of $924 million to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on the Company’s deferred tax asset and liabilities due to the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
See Note 5 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional information on income taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
As ofAt December 31, 2018,2021, AAG had approximately $7.6$15.8 billion in total available liquidity and $154$990 million in restricted cash and short-term investments. Additional detail ofregarding our available liquidity is provided in the table below (in millions):
 AAGAmerican
 December 31,December 31,
 2021202020212020
Cash$273 $245 $265 $231 
Short-term investments12,158 6,619 12,155 6,617 
Undrawn facilities3,411 7,396 3,411 7,396 
Total available liquidity$15,842 $14,260 $15,831 $14,244 
 AAG American
 December 31, December 31,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Cash$275
 $295
 $265
 $287
Short-term investments4,485
 4,771
 4,482
 4,768
Undrawn revolving credit facilities2,843
 2,500
 2,843
 2,500
Total available liquidity$7,603
 $7,566
 $7,590
 $7,555
Share Repurchase ProgramsGiven the actions we have taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and our assumptions about its future impact on travel demand, which could be materially different due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, we expect to meet our cash obligations as well as remain in compliance with the debt covenants in our existing financing agreements for the next 12 months based on our current level of unrestricted cash and short-term investments, our anticipated access to liquidity (including via proceeds from financings) and projected cash flows from operations.
In April 2018,the ordinary course of our business, we announced thator our Board of Directors authorized a new $2.0 billion shareaffiliates may, at any time and from time to time, seek to prepay, retire or repurchase program that expires on December 31, 2020. Since July 2014, our Board of Directors has approved seven share repurchase programs aggregating $13.0 billion of authority. As of December 31, 2018, there was $1.7 billion remaining authority to repurchase shares under our new $2.0 billion share repurchase program. Share repurchases under our repurchase programs may be madeoutstanding debt through a variety of methods, which may include open marketcash purchases and/or exchanges for equity or debt, in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions block trades or accelerated share repurchase transactions. Anyotherwise. Such repurchases, prepayments, retirements or exchanges, if any, will be conducted on such repurchases thatterms and at such prices as we may determine, and will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be made from time to time will be subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. We are not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares and our repurchase of AAG common stock may be limited, suspended or discontinued at any time at our discretion and without prior notice.material.
In 2018, we repurchased 16.6 million shares of AAG common stock for $800 million at a weighted average cost per share of $48.15. Since the inception of our share repurchase programs in July 2014 through December 31, 2018, we have repurchased 278.9 million shares of AAG common stock for $11.3 billion at a weighted average cost per share of $40.69.
Cash Dividends
Our Board of Directors declared the following cash dividends during 2018:
Period Per share For stockholders of record as of Payable on 
Total
(millions)
First Quarter $0.10
 February 6, 2018 February 20, 2018 $48
Second Quarter 0.10
 May 8, 2018 May 22, 2018 46
Third Quarter 0.10
 August 7, 2018 August 21, 2018 46
Fourth Quarter 0.10
 November 6, 2018 November 20, 2018 46
Total $0.40
     $186
In January 2019, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a $0.10 per share cash dividend for stockholders of record on February 6, 2019, and payable on February 20, 2019.
Any future dividends that may be declared and paid from time to time will be subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. We are not obligated to continue a dividend for any fixed period, and the payment of dividends may be suspended or discontinued at any time at our discretion and without prior notice.


Collateral-RelatedCertain Covenants
Certain of our debt financing agreements (including our secured notes, term loans, revolving credit facilities and spare engine EETCs) contain loan to value (LTV), collateral coverage or peak debt service coverage ratio covenants and certain agreements require us to appraise the related collateral annually.annually or semiannually. Pursuant to such agreements, if the loan to valueapplicable LTV, collateral coverage or peak debt service coverage ratio exceeds or falls below a specified threshold, as the case may be, we arewill be required, as applicable, to pledge additional qualifying collateral (which in some cases may include cash collateral)or investment securities), withhold additional cash in certain accounts, or to pay down such financing, in whole or in part.part, or the interest rate for the relevant financing will be increased. As of December 31, 2018,the most recent applicable measurement dates, we were in compliance with each of the foregoing LTV, collateral coverage tests forand peak debt service coverage tests. Additionally, a significant portion of our term loansdebt financing agreements contain covenants requiring us to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities, asand our AAdvantage Financing contains a peak debt service coverage ratio, pursuant to which failure to comply with a certain threshold may result in early repayment, in whole or in part, of the most recent measurement dates.AAdvantage Financing. For further information regarding our collateral-relateddebt covenants, see Note 54 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 3 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B.
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Sources and Uses of Cash
AAGFor a comparison of the 2020 and 2019 reporting periods, see Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – “Sources and Uses of Cash” of our 2020 Form 10-K.
2018 Compared to 2017AAG
Operating Activities
Our net cash provided by operating activities was $3.5$704 million in 2021 as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $6.5 billion in 2020, a $7.2 billion year-over-year increase. In 2021 and 2020, we received cash proceeds of approximately $4.7 billion and $4.7$4.2 billion in 2018 and 2017, respectively, a year-over-year decrease of $1.2 billion. This decrease inassociated with the PSP Financial Assistance, respectively. Excluding the PSP Financial Assistance, our operating cash flows was primarily dueincreased $6.7 billion compared to lower profitability in 20182020 driven by an increasea decrease in fuel costs, which was offsetour pre-tax loss as well as working capital increases principally in part by higher revenues.our air traffic liability as demand for travel returned. In addition, during 2021, we made $247 million in contributions to our pension plans and approximately $520 million in cash payments associated with our voluntary early retirement programs. Excluding the enhanced healthcare benefits provided to eligible team members, we estimate cash payments under these programs to be approximately $170 million in 2022 and approximately $20 million in 2023 and beyond.
Investing Activities
Our net cash used in investing activities was $2.0$6.0 billion and $3.6$4.3 billion in 20182021 and 2017,2020, respectively.
Our principal investing activities in 20182021 included $5.5 billion in net purchases of short-term investments as well as a $401 million increase in restricted short-term investments primarily related to collateral associated with the AAdvantage Financing and collateral held to support workers’ compensation obligations. We had capital expenditures of $3.7 billion for property$208 million, net of aircraft purchase deposit returns of $996 million, which expenditures principally related to the harmonization of interior configurations across the mainline fleet and equipment, including 16 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, six Boeing 787 family aircraftthe purchase of two Airbus A321neo aircraft. Additionally, we incurred $204 million related to airport construction projects, net of reimbursements, principally in connection with the renovation and five Embraer E175 aircraft.expansion of Terminal 8 at JFK and the modernization of Terminals 4 and 5 at LAX. These cash outflows were offset in part by $1.4 billion$193 million of netproceeds from the sale of property and equipment principally related to our retired aircraft fleet and $181 million of proceeds primarily from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions and $293 million in net sales of short-term investments.transactions.
Our principal investing activities in 20172020 included $3.1 billion in net purchases of short-term investments, capital expenditures of $6.0$2.0 billion for property and equipment, including 2016 Airbus A321A321neo aircraft, 20 Boeing 737-800eight Embraer 175 aircraft, 16 Embraer E175 aircraft, 13 Boeing 787 familythree Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. We also madethe harmonization of interior configurations across the mainline fleet as well as a $203$308 million equity investmentincrease in China Southern Airlines.restricted short-term investments primarily related to cash proceeds from special facility revenue bonds related to JFK. These cash outflows were offset in part by $1.3 billion in net sales of short-term investments, $947$665 million of net proceeds primarily from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions, $351 million of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment and $90 million of proceeds from a $309 million decrease in restricted short-term investments.vendor.
Financing Activities
Our net cash used in financing activities was $1.7 billion and $1.1 billion in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Our principal financing activities in 2018 included $2.9 billion in debt repayments, consisting of $2.4 billion in scheduled debt repayments and $513 million in the prepayment of secured loans. We also had $837 million in share repurchases and $186 million in dividend payments. These cash outflows were offset in part by net proceeds of $2.4 billion from the issuance of debt, consisting of $1.9 billion in connection with the issuance of equipment notes related to enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs) and the financing of certain aircraft and pre-delivery purchase deposits, as well as an incremental $500 million on a term loan facility.
Our principal financing activities in 2017 included $2.3 billion in scheduled debt repayments, $1.6 billion in share repurchases and $198 million in dividend payments. These cash outflows were offset in part by net proceeds of $3.1 billion from the issuance of debt, including the issuance of $2.0 billion of EETCs and $1.0 billion borrowed in connection with the financing of certain aircraft.
2017 Compared to 2016
Operating Activities
Our net cash provided by operating activities was $4.7 billion and $6.5 billion in 2017 and 2016, respectively, a year-over-year decrease of $1.8 billion. This decrease in operating cash flows was primarily due to lower profitability in 2017 driven by higher fuel costs and wage rates, which were offset in part by higher revenues.
Investing Activities
Our net cash used in investing activities was $3.6 billion and $5.7 billion in 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Our principal investing activities in 2017 included expenditures of $6.0 billion for property and equipment, including 20 Airbus A321 aircraft, 20 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 16 Embraer E175 aircraft, 13 Boeing 787 family aircraft and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. We also made a $203 million equity investment in China Southern Airlines. These cash outflows were offset in part by $1.3 billion in net sales of short-term investments, $947 million of net proceeds primarily from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions, and a $309 million decrease in restricted short-term investments.
Our principal investing activities in 2016 included expenditures of $5.7 billion for property and equipment, including 25 Airbus A321 aircraft, 24 Embraer E175 aircraft, 20 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 18 Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft, eight Boeing 787 aircraft and two Boeing 777 aircraft.
Financing Activities
Our net cash used in financing activities was $1.1 billion and $894 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Our principal financing activities in 2017 included $2.3 billion in scheduled debt repayments, $1.6 billion in share repurchases and $198 million in dividend payments. These cash outflows were offset in part by net proceeds of $3.1 billion from the issuance of debt, including the issuance of $2.0 billion of EETCs and $1.0 billion borrowed in connection with the financing of certain aircraft.
Our principal financing activities in 2016 included $4.5 billion in share repurchases, $3.8 billion in debt repayments, including the repayment of $588 million and $970 million in remaining principal of the tranche B-2 and tranche B-1 term loans, respectively, under a credit facility for which Citicorp was the Administrative Agent (the 2013 Citicorp Credit Facility), and $224 million in dividend payments. These cash outflows were offset in part by net proceeds of $7.7 billion from the issuance of debt, including the issuance of $2.8 billion of EETCs, $2.3 billion provided under term loan facilities and $1.8 billion borrowed in connection with the financing of certain aircraft.
American
2018 Compared to 2017
Operating Activities
American’s net cash provided by operating activities was $1.9 billion and $2.9 billion in 2018 and 2017, respectively, a year-over-year decrease of $927 million. This decrease in operating cash flows was primarily due to lower profitability in 2018 driven by an increase in fuel costs, which was offset in part by higher revenues.
Investing Activities
American’s net cash used in investing activities was $1.9 billion and $3.6 billion in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
American’s principal investing activities in 2018 included expenditures of $3.7 billion for property and equipment, including 16 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, six Boeing 787 family aircraft and five Embraer E175 aircraft. These cash outflows were offset in part by $1.4 billion of net proceeds primarily from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions and $293 million in net sales of short-term investments.
American’s principal investing activities in 2017 included expenditures of $5.9 billion for property and equipment, including 20 Airbus A321 aircraft, 20 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 16 Embraer E175 aircraft, 13 Boeing 787 family aircraft and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. American also made a $203 million equity investment in China Southern Airlines. These cash outflows were offset in part by $1.3 billion in net sales of short-term investments, $922 million of net proceeds primarily from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions, and a $309 million decrease in restricted short-term investments.
Financing Activities
American’s net cash used in financing activities was $147 million in 2018 and net cash provided by financing activities was $668 million$5.3 billion and $11.0 billion in 2017.2021 and 2020, respectively.
American’sOur principal financing activities in 20182021 included $2.4$12.2 billion in proceeds from the issuance of debt, repayments, consisting of $1.9including approximately $10.0 billion associated with the AAdvantage Financing, $1.0 billion in scheduled debt repayments and $513aggregate principal amount under the PSP2 Promissory Note, $946 million in aggregate principal amount under the prepaymentPSP3 Promissory Note and the $150 million issuance of secured loans.special facility revenue bonds related to JFK. We also received $460 million in net proceeds from the issuance of equity pursuant to an at-the-market offering. These cash outflowsinflows were offset in part by net$7.3 billion in debt repayments, including prepayments totaling $2.8 billion for our revolving credit facilities, $950 million for the April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility and $550 million of outstanding loans under the Treasury Loan Agreement and $2.9 billion in scheduled debt repayments. In addition, we had $209 million of deferred financing cost cash outflows.
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Our principal financing activities in 2020 included $11.8 billion in proceeds of $2.4 billion from the issuance of debt consistingand $3.0 billion in proceeds from the issuance of $1.9equity. These proceeds principally include $2.8 billion borrowed under the 2014 Revolving Facility, the 2013 Revolving Facility and the April 2016 Revolving Facility, $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 11.75% senior secured notes, $1.8 billion in aggregate principal amount under the PSP1 Promissory Note, $1.2 billion in aggregate principal amount of two series of 10.75% senior secured notes due 2026, $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of AAG’s 6.50% convertible senior notes, $1.0 billion under the Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility, $600 million in connection with the issuance of equipment notes related to EETCs and the financing of certain aircraft, $550 million under the Treasury Term Loan Facility, $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.75% unsecured senior notes due 2025 and pre-delivery purchase deposits,the $360 million issuance of special facility revenue bonds as well as an incremental $500 million on a term loan facility.


American’s principal financing activities in 2017 included$1.7 billion of net proceeds from two underwritten public offerings of $3.1 billioncommon stock and $869 million of net proceeds from the issuancean at-the-market offering of debt, including the issuance of $2.0 billion of EETCs and $1.0 billion borrowed in connection with the financing of certain aircraft.common stock. These cash inflows were offset in part by $2.3$3.5 billion in debt repayments, consisting of approximately $2.5 billion in scheduled debt repayments.repayments, including repayment of $500 million of 4.625% senior notes, and the prepayment of the $1.0 billion Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility, as well as $216 million in share repurchases and dividend payments (which occurred in the first quarter of 2020).
2017 Compared to 2016American
Operating Activities
American’s net cash provided by operating activities was $2.9$3.2 billion in 2021 as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $1.4 billion in 2020, a $4.6 billion year-over-year increase. In 2021 and 2020, American received cash proceeds of approximately $4.2 billion and $1.8$3.7 billion in 2017 and 2016, respectively,associated with the PSP Financial Assistance, respectively. American also had a year-over-year increase of $1.1 billion. AAG has the ability to move funds freely between its subsidiaries to support its cash requirements. The increase in operating cash flows was primarily due to a$2.3 billion net decrease in intercompany cash transfersreceipts principally from American to AAG. This increaseAAG's financing transactions. Excluding the PSP Financial Assistance and decrease in AAG's financing transactions, American's operating cash flows was offset in part by lower profitability in 2017increased $6.4 billion compared to 2020 driven by higher fuel costsa decrease in its pre-tax loss as well as working capital increases principally in American's air traffic liability as demand for travel returned. In addition, during 2021, American made $247 million in contributions to its pension plans and wage rates, which were offsetapproximately $520 million in part by higher revenues.cash payments associated with American's voluntary early retirement programs. Excluding the enhanced healthcare benefits provided to eligible team members, American estimates cash payments under these programs to be approximately $170 million in 2022 and approximately $20 million in 2023 and beyond.
Investing Activities
American’s net cash used in investing activities was $3.6$5.9 billion and $5.6$4.3 billion in 20172021 and 2016,2020, respectively.
American’s principal investing activities in 20172021 included $5.5 billion in net purchases of short-term investments as well as a $401 million increase in restricted short-term investments primarily related to collateral associated with the AAdvantage Financing and collateral held to support workers’ compensation obligations. American had capital expenditures of $5.9 billion for property$169 million, net of aircraft purchase deposit returns of $996 million, which expenditures principally related to the harmonization of interior configurations across the mainline fleet and equipment, including 20the purchase of two Airbus A321 aircraft, 20 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 16 Embraer E175 aircraft, 13 Boeing 787 family aircraftA321neo aircraft. Additionally, American incurred $204 million related to airport construction projects, net of reimbursements, principally in connection with the renovation and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. American also made a $203 million equity investment in China Southern Airlines.expansion of Terminal 8 at JFK and the modernization of Terminals 4 and 5 at LAX. These cash outflows were offset in part by $1.3$192 million of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment principally related to American's retired aircraft fleet and $181 million of proceeds primarily from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions.
American’s principal investing activities in 2020 included $3.1 billion in net salespurchases of short-term investments, $922capital expenditures of $1.9 billion for property and equipment, including 16 Airbus A321neo aircraft, eight Embraer 175 aircraft, three Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft and the harmonization of interior configurations across the mainline fleet as well as a $308 million increase in restricted short-term investments primarily related to cash proceeds from special facility revenue bonds related to JFK. These cash outflows were offset in part by $665 million of net proceeds primarily from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions, and a $309$351 million decrease in restricted short-term investments.
American’s principal investing activities in 2016 included expenditures of $5.7 billion forproceeds from the sale of property and equipment including 25 Airbus A321 aircraft, 24 Embraer E175 aircraft, 20 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 18 Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft, eight Boeing 787 aircraft and two Boeing 777 aircraft.$90 million of proceeds from a vendor.
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Financing Activities
American’s net cash provided by financing activities was $668 million$2.8 billion and $3.8$5.8 billion in 20172021 and 2016, respectively.2020, respectively.
American’s principal financing activities in 20172021 included net$10.2 billion in proceeds of $3.1 billion from the issuance of debt, including approximately $10.0 billion associated with the AAdvantage Financing and the $150 million issuance of $2.0 billion of EETCs and $1.0 billion borrowed in connection with the financing of certain aircraft.special facility revenue bonds related to JFK. These cash inflows were offset in part by $2.3$7.3 billion in debt repayments, including prepayments totaling $2.8 billion for American’s revolving credit facilities, $950 million for the April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility and $550 million of outstanding loans under the Treasury Loan Agreement and $2.9 billion in scheduled debt repayments. In addition, American had $207 million of deferred financing cost cash outflows.
American’s principal financing activities in 20162020 included net$9.0 billion in proceeds of $7.7 billion from the issuance of debt, including the issuance of $2.8 billion borrowed under the 2014 Revolving Facility, the 2013 Revolving Facility and the April 2016 Revolving Facility, $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of EETCs, $2.311.75% senior secured notes, $1.2 billion providedin aggregate principal amount of two series of 10.75% senior secured notes due 2026, $1.0 billion under term loan facilities and $1.8 billion borrowedthe Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility, $600 million in connection with the issuance of equipment notes related to EETCs and the financing of certain aircraft.aircraft, $550 million under the Treasury Term Loan Facility and the $360 million issuance of special facility revenue bonds. These cash inflows were offset in part by $3.8$3.0 billion in debt repayments, includingconsisting of approximately $2.0 billion in scheduled debt repayments and the repayment of $588 million and $970 million in remaining principalprepayment of the 2013 Citicorp$1.0 billion Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility tranche B-2 and tranche B-1 term loans, respectively.Facility.
Commitments
For further information regarding our commitments, see the Notes to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and the Notes to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B at the referenced footnotes below.
AAGAmerican
Long-term debt and debt covenantsNote 54Note 3
LeasesNote 65Note 4
Employee benefit plansNote 109Note 8
Commitments, contingencies and guaranteesNote 1211Note 10
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
An off-balance sheet arrangement is any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a company has (1) made guarantees, (2) a retained or a contingent interest in transferred assets, (3) an obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity or (4) any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to us, or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development arrangements with us.


We have no off-balance sheet arrangements of the types described in the first three categories above that we believe may have a material current or future effect on financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. Certain guarantees that we do not expect to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are disclosed in Note 12(d) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8A and Note 10(d) to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B.
Pass-Through Trusts
We have financed certainAmerican currently has 344 owned aircraft, 11 leased aircraft and 60 owned spare aircraft engines, which in each case were financed with EETCs issued by pass-through trusts. These trusts are off-balance sheet entities, the primary purpose of which is to finance the acquisition of flight equipment or to permit issuance of debt backed by existing flight equipment. RatherIn the case of aircraft EETCs, rather than finance each aircraft separately when such aircraft is purchased, delivered or refinanced, these trusts allow American to raise the financing for a number of aircraft at one time and, if applicable, place such funds in escrow pending a future purchase, delivery or refinancing of the relevant aircraft. Similarly, in the case of the spare engine EETCs, the trusts allow American to use its existing pool of spare engines to raise financing under a single facility. The trusts have also been structured to provide for certain credit enhancements, such as liquidity facilities to cover certain interest payments, that reduce the risks to the purchasers of the trust certificates and, as a result, reduce the cost of aircraft financing to American.
Each trust covers a set number of aircraft or spare engines scheduled to be delivered, financed or refinanced upon the issuance of the EETC or within a specific period of time thereafter. At the time of each covered aircraft or spare engine financing, the relevant trust used the proceeds of the issuance of the EETC (which may have been available at the time of issuance thereof or held in escrow until financing of the applicable aircraft following its delivery) to purchase equipment
85

notes relating to the financed aircraft.aircraft or engines. The equipment notes are issued, at American’s election, in connection with a mortgage financing of the aircraft or spare engines or, in certain cases, by a separate owner trust in connection with a leveraged lease financing of the aircraft. In the case of a leveraged lease financing, the owner trust then leases the aircraft to American. In both cases, the equipment notes are secured by a security interest in the aircraft.aircraft or engines, as applicable. The pass-through trust certificates are not direct obligations of, nor are they guaranteed by, AAG or American. However, in the case of mortgage financings, the equipment notes issued to the trusts are direct obligations of American and, in certain instances, have been guaranteed by AAG. As of December 31, 2018, $11.62021, $9.4 billion associated with these mortgage financings is reflected as debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
With respect to leveraged leases, American evaluated whether the leases had characteristics of a variable interest entity. American concluded the leasing entities met the criteria for variable interest entities. American generally is not the primary beneficiary of the leasing entities if the lease terms are consistent with market terms at the inception of the lease and do not include a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option or similar feature that obligates American to absorb decreases in value or entitles American to participate in increases in the value of the aircraft. American does not provide residual value guarantees to the bondholders or equity participants in the trusts. Some leases have a fair market value or a fixed price purchase option that allows American to purchase the aircraft at or near the end of the lease term. However, the option price approximates an estimate of the aircraft’s fair value at the option date. Under this feature, American does not participate in any increases in the value of the aircraft.entities; however, American concluded it is not the primary beneficiary under these arrangements. Therefore, Americanleasing arrangements and accounts for the majority of its EETC leveraged lease financings as operating leases. American’s total future payments to the trusts of each of the relevant EETCs under these leveraged lease financings are$35220 million as of December 31, 20182021, which are reflected in the operating lease obligations in Note 5 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 4 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B.
Letters of Credit and Other
We provide financial assurance, such as letters of credit, surety bonds or restricted cash and investments, primarily to support projected workers’ compensation obligations and airport commitments. As of December 31, 2018,2021, we had $460$439 million of letters of credit and surety bonds securing various obligations.obligations, of which $94 million is collateralized with our restricted cash. The letters of credit and surety bonds that are subject to expiration will expire on various dates through 2022.

2025.

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Contractual Obligations
The following table provides details of our futurematerial cash requirements from known contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018. The2021 (in millions). Except to the extent set forth in the applicable accompanying footnotes, the table does not include commitments that are contingent on events or other factors that are uncertain or unknown at this time.
 Payments Due by Period
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
American (a)
         
Long-term debt:             
Principal amount (b), (d) (See Note 3)
$2,508
 $1,815
 $3,409
 $1,344
 $3,892
 $9,754
 $22,722
Interest obligations (c), (d)
939
 837
 731
 598
 511
 1,121
 4,737
Finance lease obligations (See Note 4)124
 120
 118
 122
 105
 282
 871
Aircraft and engine purchase commitments (e) (See Note 10(a))
2,906
 1,683
 994
 1,378
 1,450
 6,047
 14,458
Operating lease commitments (f) (See Note 4)
1,894
 1,824
 1,625
 1,428
 1,250
 3,611
 11,632
Regional capacity purchase agreements (g) (See Note 10(b))
1,101
 930
 765
 618
 487
 1,043
 4,944
Minimum pension obligations (h) (See Note 8)
801
 625
 671
 939
 909
 1,263
 5,208
Retiree medical and other postretirement benefits (See Note 8)23
 17
 17
 17
 23
 280
 377
Other purchase obligations (i) (See Note 10(a))
1,873
 1,068
 1,009
 32
 7
 92
 4,081
Total American Contractual Obligations$12,169
 $8,919
 $9,339
 $6,476
 $8,634
 $23,493
 $69,030
              
AAG Parent and Other AAG Subsidiaries (a)
             
Long-term debt:             
Principal amount (b) (See Note 5)
$750
 $505
 $2
 $2
 $2
 $18
 $1,279
Interest obligations (c)
67
 14
 2
 2
 1
 4
 90
Minimum pension obligations (h) (See Note 10)
6
 4
 5
 5
 5
 13
 38
Operating lease commitments (See Note 6)18
 14
 11
 10
 5
 9
 67
Total AAG Contractual Obligations$13,010
 $9,456
 $9,359
 $6,495
 $8,647
 $23,537
 $70,504
 Payments Due by Period
 202220232024202520262027 and ThereafterTotal
American (a)
Long-term debt:
Principal amount (b), (d) (See Note 3)
$1,637 $4,167 $3,467 $7,749 $4,412 $10,353 $31,785 
Interest obligations (c), (d)
1,544 1,537 1,373 1,180 618 762 7,014 
Finance lease obligations (See Note 4)215 183 180 113 87 77 855 
Aircraft and engine purchase commitments (e) (See Note 10(a))
1,987 1,851 3,358 3,535 1,663 688 13,082 
Operating lease commitments (See Note 4)
1,957 1,899 1,576 1,210 936 4,684 12,262 
Regional capacity purchase agreements (f) (See Note 10(b))
1,495 1,834 1,875 1,729 1,123 2,317 10,373 
Minimum pension obligations (g) (See Note 8)
— 31 23 — — — 54 
Retiree medical and other postretirement benefits (See Note 8)94 89 84 81 78 312 738 
Other purchase obligations (h) (See Note 10(a))
4,364 1,758 1,416 154 610 942 9,244 
Total American Contractual Obligations$13,293 $13,349 $13,352 $15,751 $9,527 $20,135 $85,407 
AAG Parent and Other AAG Subsidiaries (a)
Long-term debt:
Principal amount (b) (See Note 4)
$750 $— $— $1,500 $— $3,746 $5,996 
Interest obligations (c)
140 121 121 133 125 649 1,289 
Operating lease commitments (See Note 5)16 14 12 14 68 
Minimum pension obligations (g) (See Note 9)
— — — — 
Total AAG Contractual Obligations$14,199 $13,485 $13,485 $17,391 $9,657 $24,545 $92,762 
(a)
For additional information, see the Notes to AAG’s and American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Items 8A and 8B, respectively, referenced in the table above.
(b)
Amounts represent contractual amounts due. Excludes $219 million and $3 million of unamortized debt discount, premium and issuance costs as of December 31, 2018 for American and AAG Parent, respectively.
(c)
For variable-rate debt, future interest obligations are estimated using the current forward rates at December 31, 2018.
(d)
Includes $11.6 billion of future principal payments and $2.4 billion of future interest payments, respectively, as of December 31, 2018, related to EETCs associated with mortgage financings for the purchase of certain aircraft.
(e)
See Part I, Item 2. Properties – “Aircraft and Engine Purchase Commitments” for additional information about the firm commitment aircraft delivery schedule. Boeing has committed to provide sale-leaseback financing (in the form of operating leases) for 22 787-8 aircraft to be delivered in 2020 and 2021. This financing is reflected in the operating lease commitments line above.
(f)
Includes $352 million of future minimum lease payments related to EETC leveraged lease financings of certain aircraft as of December 31, 2018.
(g)
Represents minimum payments under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers. These commitments are estimates of costs based on assumed minimum levels of flying under the capacity purchase agreements and our actual payments could differ materially. Rental payments under operating leases for certain aircraft flown under these capacity purchase agreements is reflected in the operating lease commitments line above.

(a)For additional information, see the Notes to AAG’s and American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Items 8A and 8B, respectively, referenced in the table above.

(b)Amounts represent contractual amounts due. Excludes $428 million and $30 million of unamortized debt discount, premium and issuance costs as of December 31, 2021 for American and AAG Parent, respectively.
(c)For variable-rate debt, future interest obligations are estimated using the current forward rates at December 31, 2021.
(d)Includes $9.4 billion of future principal payments and $1.5 billion of future interest payments as of December 31, 2021, related to EETCs associated with mortgage financings of certain aircraft and spare engines.
(e)See Part I, Item 2. Properties – “Aircraft and Engine Purchase Commitments” for additional information about the firm commitment aircraft delivery schedule, in particular the footnote to the table thereunder as to potential changes to such delivery schedule. Due to uncertainty surrounding the timing of delivery of certain aircraft, the amounts in the table represent our most current estimate; however, the actual delivery schedule may differ from the table above, potentially materially. Additionally, the amounts in the table exclude 10 and three Boeing 787-8 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2022 and 2023, respectively, as well as four and one Boeing 787-9 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 2024, respectively, in each case, for which we have obtained committed lease financing. This financing is reflected in the operating lease commitments line above.
87

(f)Represents minimum payments under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers. These commitments are estimates of costs based on assumed minimum levels of flying under the capacity purchase agreements and our actual payments could differ materially. Rental payments under operating leases for certain aircraft flown under these capacity purchase agreements are reflected in the operating lease commitments line above.
(g)Represents minimum pension contributions based on actuarially determined estimates as of December 31, 2021 and is based on estimated payments through 2031. On March 11, 2021, the ARP was enacted, which included funding relief provisions benefiting single employer qualified retirement benefit pension plans such as those sponsored by American.
(h)Includes purchase commitments for aircraft fuel, flight equipment maintenance, construction projects and information technology support.
(h)
Includes minimum pension contributions based on actuarially determined estimates and is based on estimated payments through 2028. The total AAG expected pension contribution of $807 million in 2019 assumes a supplemental contribution of $21 million in addition to the $786 million minimum required contribution.
(i)
Includes purchase commitments for jet fuel, construction projects and information technology support.
Capital Raising Activity and Other Possible Actions
In light of the cash needs imposed by the current operating losses due to reduced demand in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as our significant financial commitments related to, among other things, new aircraft, the servicing and amortization of existing debt and equipment leasing arrangements, new flight equipment and future pension funding obligations, we and our subsidiaries will regularly consider, and enter into negotiations related to, capital raising and liability management activity, which may include the entry into leasing transactions and future issuances of, and transactions designed to manage the timing and amount of, secured or unsecured debt obligations or additional equity securities in public or private offerings or otherwise. The cash available from operations (if any) and these sources, however, may not be sufficient to cover our cash contractual obligations because economic factors may reduce the amount of cash generated by operations or increase costs. For instance, an economic downturn or general global instability caused by military actions, terrorism, disease outbreaks (in particular the ongoing global outbreak of COVID-19), natural disasters or other causes could reduce the demand for air travel, which would reduce the amount of cash generated by operations. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – "The outbreak and global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel which has adversely impacted our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity. The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and similar public health threats that we may face in the future, could result in additional adverse effects on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity" for additional discussion. An increase in costs, either due to an increase in borrowing costs caused by a reduction in credit ratings or a general increase in interest rates, or due to an increase in the cost of fuel, maintenance, or aircraft, aircraft engines or parts, could decrease the amount of cash available to cover cash contractual obligations. Moreover, certain of our financing arrangements contain significant minimum cash balance or similar liquidity requirements. As a result, we cannot use all of our available cash to fund operations, capital expenditures and cash obligations without violating these requirements. See Note 54 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 3 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for information regarding our financing arrangements.
In the past, we have from time to time refinanced, redeemed or repurchased our debt and taken other steps to reduce or otherwise manage the aggregate amount and cost of our debt, or lease and other obligations or otherwise improve our balance sheet. Going forward, depending on market conditions, our cash position and other considerations, we may continue to take such actions.
Our Board
88


Table of Directors has from time to time authorized programs to repurchase shares of our common stock, one of which is currently in effect, and may authorize additional share repurchase programs in the future.Contents
OTHER INFORMATION
Basis of Presentation
See Note 1 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 1 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for information regarding the basis of presentation.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. We believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, actual results could differ from those estimates. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We have identified the following critical accounting policies that impact the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. See the “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in Note 1 to each of AAG’s and American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 1 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B, respectively, for additional discussion of the application of these estimates and other accounting policies.
Passenger Revenue
We recognize all revenues generated from transportation on American and our regional flights operated under the brand name American Eagle, including associated baggage fees, ticketing change fees and other inflight services, as passenger revenue when transportation is provided. Ticket and other related sales for transportation that has not yet been provided are initially deferred and recorded as air traffic liability on our consolidated balance sheets. The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel.
The majority of tickets sold are nonrefundable. A small percentage of tickets, some of which are partially used tickets, expire unused. Due to complex pricing structures, refund and exchange policies, and interline agreements with other airlines,


certain amounts are recognized in passenger revenue using estimates regarding both the timing of the revenue recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are generally based on the analysis of our historical data. We have consistently applied this accounting method to estimate revenue from forfeitedunused tickets at the date of travel. Estimated future refunds and exchanges included in the air traffic liability are routinely evaluated based on subsequent activity to validate the accuracy of our estimates. Any adjustments resulting from periodic evaluations of the estimated air traffic liability are included in passenger revenue during the period in which the evaluations are completed. While the contract duration of passenger tickets is generally one year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we extended the contract duration for certain tickets to March 31, 2022, principally those tickets which were scheduled to expire from March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Additionally, tickets to certain international destinations have extended contract duration to December 31, 2022. We also have eliminated change fees for most domestic and international tickets providing more flexibility for customers to change travel plans. Given these changes and the uncertainty surrounding the future demand for air travel, our estimates of revenue that will be recognized from the air traffic liability for future flown or unused tickets as well as our estimates of refunds may be subject to variability and differ from historical experience.
Various taxes and fees assessed on the sale of tickets to end customers are collected by us as an agent and remitted to taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and recorded as a liability until remitted to the appropriate taxing authority.
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Loyalty Revenue
We currently operate the loyalty program, AAdvantage. This program awards mileage credits to passengers who fly on American, any oneworld airline or other partner airlines, or by using the services of other program participants, such as the Citi and Barclaycard USour co-branded credit cards, and certain hotels and car rental companies. Mileage credits can be redeemed for travel on American and other participating partner airlines, as well as other non-air travel awards such as hotels and rental cars. For mileage credits earned by AAdvantage loyalty program members, we apply the deferred revenue method in accordance withmethod. In response to the New Revenue Standard.COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended the expiration of mileage credits through March 31, 2022 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets.
Mileage credits earned through travel
For mileage credits earned through travel, we apply a relative selling price approach whereby the total amount collected from each passenger ticket sale is allocated between the air transportation and the mileage credits earned. The portion of each passenger ticket sale attributable to mileage credits earned is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided. The estimated selling price of mileage credits is determined using an equivalent ticket value approach, which uses historical data, including award redemption patterns by geographic region and class of service, as well as similar fares as those used to settle award redemptions. The estimated selling price of miles is adjusted for an estimate of milesmileage credits that will not be redeemed using a statistical model based on historical redemption patterns.patterns to develop an estimate of the likelihood of future redemption. Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust our estimates in the future. For the year ended December 31, 2018,2021, a hypothetical 10% increase in the estimated selling price of miles would have decreased revenues by approximately $100$55 million as a result of additional amounts deferred from passenger ticket sales.sales to be recognized in future periods.
Mileage credits sold to co-branded credit cards and other partners
We sell mileage credits to participating airline partners and non-airline business partners, including our co-branded credit card partners, under contracts with terms extending generally for one to ninefive years. Consideration received from the sale of mileage credits is variable and payment terms typically are within 30 days subsequent to the month of mileage sale. Sales of mileage credits to non-airline business partners are comprised of two components, transportation and marketing. We allocate the consideration received from these sales of mileage credits based on the relative selling price of each product or service delivered.
Our most significant partner agreements are our co-branded credit card agreements with Citi and Barclaycard US that we entered into in 2016.US. We identified the following revenue elements in these co-branded credit card agreements: the transportation component; and the use of intellectual property, including the American brand and access to loyalty program member lists, which is the predominant element in the agreements, as well as advertising (collectively, the marketing component). Accordingly, we recognize the marketing component in other revenue in the period of the mileage sale following the sales-based royalty method.
The transportation component represents the estimated selling price of future travel awards and is determined using the same equivalent ticket value approach described above. The portion of each mileage credit sold attributable to transportation is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided.
For the portion of our outstanding mileage credits that we estimate will not be redeemed, we recognize the associated value proportionally as the remaining mileage credits are redeemed. Our estimates areuse a statistical model based on analysishistorical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of historical redemptions.the likelihood of future redemption. For the year ended December 31, 2018,2021, a hypothetical 10% increase in our estimate of miles not expected to be redeemed would have increased revenues by approximately $100$70 million.
Cargo Revenue
90


Cargo revenue is recognized when we provide the transportation.


Other Revenue
Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets consist of flight equipment, as well as other fixed assets and finite-lived intangible assets such as certain domestic airport slots, customer relationships, marketing agreements, tradenames and airport gate leasehold rights. In addition to the original cost, the recorded value of our fixed assets is impacted by a number of estimates made, including estimated useful lives, salvage values and our determination as to whether aircraft are temporarily or permanently grounded. Finite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their acquired fair values and are subsequently amortized over their estimated useful lives. See Note 1 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 1 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for further information.
We assess impairment on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. An asset or group of assets is considered impaired when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the assets are less than the carrying amount of the assets and the net book value of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Estimates of fair value represent management’s best estimate based on appraisals, industry trends and reference to market rates and transactions.
The majority of American’s aircraft fleet types are depreciated over 25-30 years. It is possible that the ultimate lives of our aircraft will be significantly different than the current estimate due to unforeseen events in the future that impact our fleet plan, including positive or negative developments in the areas described above. For example, operating the aircraft for a longer period will result in higher maintenance, fuel and other operating costs than if we replaced the aircraft.
Leases
We adopted ASU 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) (the New Lease Standard) as of January 1, 2018. See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below for further discussion about the New Lease Standard and its impact on our consolidated balance sheet. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets, current operating lease liabilities and noncurrent operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases and long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities, in our consolidated balance sheet.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term.
We use our estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is derived from information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. We give consideration to our recent debt issuances as well as publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when calculating our incremental borrowing rates. A 100 basis point decrease in our estimate of the incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2018 (the date of our adoption of the New Lease Standard) would increase our operating lease liability by approximately $275 million.
Our lease term includes options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Our lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.
Under certain of our capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, we do not own the underlying aircraft. However, since we control the marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories of these aircraft and therefore control the asset, the aircraft is deemed to be leased for accounting purposes. For these capacity purchase agreements, we account for the lease and non-lease components separately. The lease component consists of the aircraft and the non-lease components consist of services, such as the crew and maintenance. We allocate the consideration in the capacity purchase agreements to the lease and non-lease components using their estimated relative standalone prices. See Note 12(b) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 10(b) to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional information on our capacity purchase agreements.
For real estate, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.


Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but assessed for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. We have one consolidated reporting unit.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill include certain domestic airport slots at our hubs and international slots and route authorities. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but instead are assessed for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired.
In the second quarter of 2018, American recorded a $26 million impairment charge on a Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment. Under the qualitative approach, we analyze the following factors, among others, to determine if events and circumstances have affected the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets: (1) negative trends in our market capitalization, (2) an increase in fuel prices, (3) declining per mile passenger yields, (4) lower passenger demand as a result of a weakened U.S. and global economy and (5) changes to the regulatory environment.
Based upon our annual assessment, there were no impairments of our goodwill and no additional impairments of our indefinite-lived assets in 2018 other than the Brazil route authority described above.
Pensions and Retiree Medical and Other Postretirement Benefits
We recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans inon the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Our pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits costs and liabilities are calculated using various actuarial assumptions and methodologies. We use certain assumptions including, but not limited to, the selection of the: (1) discount rate and (2) expected return on plan assets (3) expected health care cost trend rate and (4) estimated age of pilot retirement (as discussed below). These assumptions as of December 31 were:
20212020
Pension weighted average discount rate (1)
3.0 %2.7 %
Retiree medical and other postretirement benefits weighted average discount rate (1)
2.8 %2.4 %
Expected rate of return on plan assets (2)
8.0 %8.0 %
 2018 2017
Pension weighted average discount rate (1)
4.40% 3.80%
Retiree medical and other postretirement benefits weighted average discount rate (1)
4.30% 3.60%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (2)
8.00% 8.00%
Weighted average health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (3):
   
Initial3.91% 4.19%
Ultimate (2026)3.45% 3.76%
Assumed Pilot Retirement Age63
 62
(1)
When establishing our discount rate to measure our obligations, we match high quality corporate bonds available in the marketplace whose cash flows approximate our projected benefit disbursements. Lowering the discount rate by 50 basis points as of December 31, 2018 would increase our pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations by approximately $1.1 billion and $37 million, respectively, and increase both estimated 2019 pension expense and estimated 2019 retiree medical and other postretirement benefits expense by $2 million and less than $1 million, respectively.
(2)
The expected rate of return on plan assets is based upon an evaluation of our historical trends and experience, taking into account current and expected market conditions and our target asset allocation of 30% U.S. stocks, 22% developed international stocks, 20% fixed income securities, 20% alternative (private) investments and 8% emerging market stocks. The expected rate of return on plan assets component of our net periodic benefit cost is calculated based on the fair value of plan assets and our target asset allocation. Lowering the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by 50 basis points as of December 31, 2018 would increase estimated 2019 pension expense and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits expense by approximately $51 million and $1 million, respectively.

(1)When establishing our discount rate to measure our obligations, we match high quality corporate bonds available in the marketplace whose cash flows approximate our projected benefit disbursements. Lowering the discount rate by 50 basis points as of December 31, 2021 would increase our pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations by approximately $1.2 billion and $40 million, respectively, and decrease estimated 2022 pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits expense by approximately $10 million and $1 million, respectively.

(2)The expected rate of return on plan assets is based upon an evaluation of our historical trends and experience, taking into account current and expected market conditions and our target asset allocation of 30% fixed income securities, 24% U.S. stocks, 22% alternative (private) investments, 16% developed international stocks and 8% emerging market stocks. The expected rate of return on plan assets component of our net periodic benefit cost is calculated based on the fair value of plan assets and our target asset allocation. Lowering the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by 50 basis points as of December 31, 2021 would increase estimated 2022 pension expense and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits expense by approximately $70 million and $1 million, respectively.
(3)
The assumed health care cost trend rate is based upon an evaluation of our historical trends and experience, taking into account current and expected market conditions. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by 100 basis points would increase estimated 2019 retiree medical and other postretirement benefits expense by $6 million.
During 2018,2021, we reviewed and revised certain economic and demographic assumptions including the pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits discount rates retirement rates and health care cost and trend rates. The net effect of changing these assumptions for the pension plans resulted in a decrease of $1.8 billion$720 million in the projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2018.2021. The net effect of changing these assumptions for retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans resulted in a decrease of $126$32 million in the projectedaccumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2018.2021. We also revised our mortality assumptions to incorporate the new mortality improvement scale issued by the Society of Actuaries. This resulted in a decreasean increase in the projected benefit obligations of our pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans of $58benefit obligations by $57 million and less than $1 million, respectively.
See Note 109 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 8 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional information regarding our employee benefit plans.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded net as noncurrent deferred income taxes.
Our ability to use our NOLs and other carryforwards depends on the amount of taxable income generated in future periods. We provide a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of our deferred tax assets, will not be realized. We consider all available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions in evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Many factors are considered that impact our assessment of future profitability, including conditions which are beyond our control, such as the health of the economy, the availability and price volatility of aircraft fuel and travel demand.
We presently have a $34 million valuation allowance on certain net deferred tax assets related to state NOL carryforwards. There can be no assurance that an additional valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets will not be required. Such valuation allowance could be material.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018Update (ASU) 2020-06: Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts In An Entity's Own Equity (the New Convertible Debt Standard)
Effective January 1, 2018, we adoptedThe New Convertible Debt Standard simplifies the accounting pronouncements described below.
ASU 2014-09: Revenue from Contractsfor certain convertible instruments by removing the separation models for convertible debt with Customers (Topic 606) (the New Revenue Standard)
The New Revenue Standard applies to all companies that enter into contractsa cash conversion feature and for convertible instruments with customers to transfer goods or services. We adopted the New Revenue Standard using the full retrospective method, which resulted in the recast of prior reporting periods.
The adoption of the New Revenue Standard impacted oura beneficial conversion feature. As a result, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a single liability instrument with no separate accounting for outstanding mileage credits earned through travel by AAdvantage loyalty program members. There was no change in accounting for sales of mileage credits to co-branded credit card or other partners. Prior to the adoption of the New Revenue Standard, we used the incremental cost method to account for the portion of our loyalty program liability related to mileage credits earned through travel, which were valued based on the estimated incremental cost of carrying one additional passenger. The New Revenue Standard required us to change our policy to the deferred revenue method and apply a relative selling price approach whereby a portion of each passenger ticket sale attributable to mileage credits earned is deferred and recognized in passenger revenue upon future mileage redemption. The value of the earned mileage credits is materially greater under the deferred revenue method than the value attributed to these mileage credits under the incremental cost method.
The New Revenue Standard also required certain reclassifications, principally the reclassification of certain ancillary revenues previously classified and reported as other revenue to passenger revenue and as applicable to cargo revenue.embedded conversion features. Additionally, the New RevenueConvertible Debt Standard required a gross presentation onamends the face of our consolidated statements of operationsdiluted earnings per share calculation for certain revenues and expenses that had previously been presented on a net basis.
See “Impacts to 2017 Results” and “Impacts to 2016 Results” below forconvertible instruments by requiring the impact to our consolidated statements of operations data for 2017 and 2016, respectively, and our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 related to the adoptionuse of the New Revenue Standard.
ASU 2017-07: Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (the New Retirement Standard)
if-converted method. The New Retirement Standard required all components of our net periodic benefit cost (income), with the exception of service cost, previously reported within operating expenses as salaries, wages and benefits, to be reclassified and reported within nonoperating income (expense). The New Retirement Standard was applied retrospectively, which resulted in the recast of each prior reporting period presented. The adoption of the New Retirement Standard hadtreasury stock method is no impact on pre-tax income or net income reported.
See “Impacts to 2017 Results” and “Impacts to 2016 Results” below for the impact to our consolidated statements of operations data for 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to the adoption of the New Retirement Standard.


ASU 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) (the New Lease Standard)
The New Lease Standard requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use (ROU) asset on the balance sheet for operating leases. Accounting for finance leases is substantially unchanged. The New Lease Standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, we elected to earlylonger available. Entities may adopt the New LeaseConvertible Debt Standard as of January 1, 2018 using either a full or modified retrospective transition, with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the effective date (the effective date method). Under the effective date method, financial results reported in periods prior to 2018 are unchanged. We also elected the package of practical expedients, which among other things, does not require reassessment of lease classification.
The adoption of the New Lease Standard had a significant impact on our consolidated balance sheet due to the recognition of approximately $10 billion of lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets for operating leases.
Additionally, we recognized a $197 million cumulative effect adjustment credit, net of tax, to retained earnings. The adjustment to retained earnings was driven principally by sale-leaseback transactions including the recognition of unamortized deferred aircraft sale-leaseback gains. Prior to the adoption of the New Lease Standard, gains on sale-leaseback transactions were generally deferredapproach, and recognized in the income statement over the lease term. Under the New Lease Standard, gains on sale-leaseback transactions (subject to adjustment for off-market terms) are recognized immediately.
Finally, our 2018 pre-tax income decreased by $16 million as a result of adoption of the New Lease Standard.
ASU 2016-01: Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10)
This ASU made several modifications to Subtopic 825-10, including the elimination of the available-for-sale classification of equity investments, and it required equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This standard was adopted prospectively as of January 1, 2018 and resulted in a $60 million cumulative effect adjustment credit to retained earnings, net of tax, related to our investment in China Southern Airlines, which was previously accounted for under the cost method.
ASU 2016-18: Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash
This ASU required that the change in the total cash balance, cash at the beginning of the period and cash at the end of the period on the statement of cash flows include restricted cash, and also required companies that report cash and restricted cash separately on the balance sheet to reconcile those amounts to the statement of cash flows. This standard was applied retrospectively, which resulted in the recast of prior reporting periods in the statement of cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, $11 million, $103 million and $113 million, respectively, of restricted cash is included in the total cash and restricted cash balance at the end of the period. A reconciliation of cash and restricted cash reported on our consolidated statements of cash flows to the amounts reported on our consolidated balance sheets is provided in a table below the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Part II, Item 8A - AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements.


Impacts to 2017 Results
The effects of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard and New Retirement Standard to our consolidated statement of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 were as follows (in millions):
    New Revenue Standard New Retirement Standard  
Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 As Reported Deferred Revenue Method Ancillary Revenue Reclassifications Gross Versus Net Presentation Reclassifications As Recast
Operating revenues:            
    Passenger $36,133
 $311
 $2,648
 $39
 $
 $39,131
    Cargo 800
 
 42
 48
 
 890
    Other 5,274
 
 (2,690) 17
 
 2,601
    Total operating revenues 42,207
 311
 
 104
 
 42,622
    Total operating expenses 38,149
 
 
 104
 138
 38,391
Operating income 4,058
 311
 
 
 (138) 4,231
Total nonoperating expense, net (974) 
 
 
 138
 (836)
Income before income taxes 3,084
 311
 
 
 
 3,395
Income tax provision (1)
 1,165
 948
 
 
 
 2,113
Net income $1,919
 $(637) $
 $
 $
 $1,282
Diluted earnings per common share $3.90
         $2.61
(1)
The adjustment to the 2017 income tax provision includes an $823 million special charge to reduce our deferred tax asset associated with loyalty program liabilities as a result of the 2017 Tax Act enacted in December 2017 that reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The effects of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard to our December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet were as follows (in millions):
  As Reported New Revenue Standard As Recast
Deferred tax asset $427
 $1,389
 $1,816
Air traffic liability 3,978
 64
 4,042
Current loyalty program liability 2,791
 330
 3,121
Noncurrent loyalty program liability 
 5,701
 5,701
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) 3,926
 (4,706) (780)


Impacts to 2016 Results
The effects of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard and New Retirement Standard to our consolidated statement of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 were as follows (in millions):
    New Revenue Standard New Retirement Standard  
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 As Reported Deferred Revenue Method Ancillary Revenue Reclassifications Gross Versus Net Presentation Reclassifications As Recast
Operating revenues:            
    Passenger $34,579
 $(147) $2,571
 $42
 $
 $37,045
    Cargo 700
 
 36
 49
 
 785
    Other 4,901
 
 (2,607) 18
 
 2,312
    Total operating revenues 40,180
 (147) 
 109
 
 40,142
    Total operating expenses 34,896
 
 
 109
 77
 35,082
Operating income 5,284
 (147) 
 
 (77) 5,060
Total nonoperating expense, net (985) 
 
 
 77
 (908)
Income before income taxes 4,299
 (147) 
 
 
 4,152
Income tax provision 1,623
 (55) 
 
 
 1,568
Net income $2,676
 $(92) $
 $
 $
 $2,584
Diluted earnings per common share $4.81
         $4.65
Standards Effective for 2019 Reporting Periods
ASU 2018-02: Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
This ASU provides financial statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings due to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate change as a result of the 2017 Tax Act. The amount of the reclassification is the difference between the amount initially charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income at the previously enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate that remains in accumulated other comprehensive income and the amount that would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income using the newly enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate, excluding the effect of any valuation allowance previously charged to income from continuing operations. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018,2021. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The New Convertible Debt Standard is applicable to our 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2025 (the Convertible Notes). We early adopted the New Convertible Debt Standard as of January 1, 2021 using the modified retrospective method to recognize the Convertible Notes as a single liability instrument. As of January 1, 2021, we recorded a $415 million ($320 million net of tax) reduction to additional paid-in capital to remove the equity component of the Convertible Notes from our consolidated balance sheet and a $19 million cumulative effect adjustment credit, net of tax, to retained deficit related to non-cash debt discount amortization recognized in periods prior to adoption resulting in a corresponding reduction of $389 million to the debt discount associated with the Convertible Notes. See Note 4(h) to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A for additional information on the Convertible Notes.
ASU 2019-12: Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740)
This standard simplifies the accounting and disclosure requirements for income taxes by clarifying the existing guidance to improve consistency in the application of Accounting Standards Codification 740. This standard also removed the requirement to calculate income tax expense for the stand-alone financial statements of wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not subject to income tax. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2021, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2021-10: Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance (Topic 832)
This standard provides guidance on the disclosure requirements for business entities receiving government assistance. Specifically, entities are required to disclose information about the nature of the assistance received, including the related accounting, the affected line items on the financial statements and amounts, and the significant terms and conditions, including any commitments and contingencies. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and early adoption is permitted. We will adoptadopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoptionas of the standard may impact tax amounts strandedDecember 31, 2021. See Note 1(b) in accumulated other comprehensive incomeeach of AAG’s and American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Items 8A and 8B, respectively, for disclosure related to our pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefit plans.the financial assistance we have received from Treasury.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The risk inherent in our market risk sensitive instruments and positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in the price of fuel, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates as discussed below. The sensitivity analyses presented do not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor do they consider additional actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Therefore, actual results may differ. See Note 87 to AAG’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8A and Note 6 to American’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8B for additional discussion regarding risk management matters.
Aircraft Fuel
Our operating results are materially impacted by changes in the availability, price volatility and cost of aircraft fuel, which represents one of the largest single cost items in our business. Because of the amount of fuel needed to operate our airlines,business, even a relatively small increase or decrease in the price of aircraft fuel can have a material effect on our costsoperating results and liquidity. Market prices for jetaircraft fuel have fluctuated substantially over the past several yearscan be volatile, with market spot prices ranging from a low of approximately $0.80$0.37 per gallon to a high of approximately $2.35 per gallon during the period from January 1, 20162019 to December 31, 2018.2021.

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As of December 31, 2018,2021, we did not have any fuel hedging contracts outstanding to hedge our fuel consumption. As such, and assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, we will continue to be fully exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. Our current policy is not to enter into transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, although we review that policy from time to time based on market conditions and other factors. As such, and assuming we do not enter into any future transactions to hedge our fuel consumption, we will continue to be fully exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. Based on our 20192022 forecasted fuel consumption, we estimate that a one cent per gallon increase in aviationthe price of aircraft fuel price would increase our 20192022 annual fuel expense by $45approximately $40 million.
Foreign Currency
We are exposed to the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency-denominated operating revenues and expenses.transactions. Our largest exposure comes from the British pound sterling, Euro, Chinese yuan, Canadian dollar and various Latin American currencies, primarily the Brazilian real. We do not currently have a foreign currency hedge program. AWe estimate a uniform 10% strengthening in the value of the U.S. dollar from 20182021 levels relative to each of the currencies in which we have foreign currency exposure would have resulted in a decreasean increase in operating incomepre-tax loss of approximately $200$90 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.2021.
Generally, fluctuations in foreign currencies, including devaluations, cannot be predicted by us and can significantly affect the value of our assets located outside the United States. These conditions, as well as any further delays, devaluations or imposition of more stringent repatriation restrictions, may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “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” for additional discussion of this and other currency risks.
Interest
Our earnings and cash flow are affected by changes in interest rates due to the impact those changes have on our interest expense from variable ratevariable-rate debt instruments and our interest income from short-term, interest bearinginterest-bearing investments.
Our largest exposure with respect to variable ratevariable-rate debt comes from changes in LIBOR. We had variable ratevariable-rate debt instruments representing approximately 40%30% of our total long-term debt at December 31, 2018.2021. We currently do not have an interest rate hedge program.program to hedge our exposure to floating interest rates on our variable-rate debt obligations. If annual interest rates increase 100 basis points, based on our December 31, 20182021 variable-rate debt and short-term investments balances, annual interest expense on variable ratevariable-rate debt would increase by approximately $100$109 million and annual interest income on short-term investments would increase by approximately $50$124 million. Additionally, the fair value of fixed-rate debt would have decreased by approximately $565 million$1.1 billion for AAG and $550$860 million for American.

On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The discontinuation date for submission and publication of rates for certain tenors of USD LIBOR (1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month) was subsequently extended by the ICE Benchmark Administration (the administrator of LIBOR) until June 30, 2023. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2023. Similarly, it is not possible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR, or what effect these changes in views or alternatives may have on financial markets for LIBOR-linked financial instruments. While the U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, has chosen SOFR as the recommended risk-free reference rate for the U.S. (calculated based on repurchase agreements backed by treasury securities), we cannot currently predict the extent to which this index will gain widespread acceptance as a replacement for LIBOR. It is not possible to predict the effect of these changes, other reforms or the establishment of alternative reference rates in the United Kingdom, the United States or elsewhere.

We may in the future pursue amendments to our LIBOR-based debt transactions to provide for a transaction mechanism or other reference rate in anticipation of LIBOR’s discontinuation, but we may not be able to reach agreement with our lenders on any such amendments. As of December 31, 2021, we had $10.9 billion of borrowings based on LIBOR. The replacement of LIBOR with a comparable or successor rate could cause the amount of interest payable on our long-term debt to be different or higher than expected.
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ITEM 8A. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
American Airlines Group Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Airlines Group Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholders’ equity (deficit), for each of the years in the three‑yearthree-year period ended December 31, 2018,2021, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑yearthree-year period ended December 31, 2018,2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 25, 201922, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for revenue from contracts with customers and leases in 2018 due to the full retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),as amended, and the modified retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
94

Estimate of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed
As discussed in Note 1(l) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s loyalty program awards mileage credits to passengers for flights on the Company’s airline, flights on a partner airline, or for using the services of other program participants. The Company uses a statistical model based on historical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed. The associated value of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed is recognized as revenue proportionally as the remaining mileage credits are redeemed. The Company’s loyalty program liability was $9.1 billion as of December 31, 2021 and the associated passenger revenue for mileage credits redeemed for travel was $2.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021.
We identified the evaluation of the estimation of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed as a critical audit matter. Evaluating the application of the statistical model used to develop the estimate involved complex auditor judgment and the use of actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s loyalty program accounting process, including a control related to the evaluation of the application of the statistical model used to develop the estimate of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed. We involved actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in developing a statistical model to derive an independent expectation of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed. We compared this independent expectation to the Company’s estimate to evaluate the appropriateness of the amount of the loyalty program liability and associated passenger revenue.
Sufficiency of audit evidence over realizability of tax operating loss and other carryforwards
As discussed in Notes 1(i) and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had $4.6 billion of tax operating loss and other carryforwards, which are recorded as deferred tax assets at December 31, 2021. Deferred tax assets are recognized related to tax operating loss and other carryforwards that will reduce future taxable income. The Company provides a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of the deferred tax assets, will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management considers the weighting of all available positive and negative evidence.
We identified the evaluation of the sufficiency of audit evidence over the realizability of tax operating loss and other carryforwards as a critical audit matter. Evaluating the sufficiency of audit evidence required subjective auditor judgment in order to assess the extent of procedures performed in assessing the realizability of the tax operating loss and other carryforwards.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance process, including controls related to the realizability of tax operating loss and other carryforwards. We evaluated positive and negative evidence used in assessing whether the tax operating loss and other carryforwards were more likely than not to be realized in the future. We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s projections of future profitability considering historical profitability of the Company, and consistency with industry data and economic trends. We involved tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating the application of tax law. We assessed the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained over the realizability of the tax operating loss and other carryforwards by evaluating the cumulative results of the audit procedures.
/s/    KPMG LLP


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.
Dallas, Texas
February 25, 2019

22, 2022

95

AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except sharesshare and per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2018 2017 2016 202120202019
Operating revenues: Operating revenues:
Passenger$40,676
 $39,131
 $37,045
Passenger$26,063 $14,518 $42,010 
Cargo1,013
 890
 785
Cargo1,314 769 863 
Other2,852
 2,601
 2,312
Other2,505 2,050 2,895 
Total operating revenues44,541
 42,622
 40,142
Total operating revenues29,882 17,337 45,768 
Operating expenses:     Operating expenses:
Aircraft fuel and related taxes8,053
 6,128
 5,071
Aircraft fuel and related taxes6,792 3,402 9,395 
Salaries, wages and benefits12,251
 11,954
 10,967
Salaries, wages and benefits11,817 11,229 12,895 
Regional expenses7,133
 6,546
 6,044
Regional expenses3,204 2,962 3,985 
Maintenance, materials and repairs2,050
 1,959
 1,834
Maintenance, materials and repairs1,979 1,585 2,381 
Other rent and landing fees1,900
 1,806
 1,772
Other rent and landing fees2,619 2,004 2,672 
Aircraft rent1,264
 1,197
 1,203
Aircraft rent1,425 1,341 1,326 
Selling expenses1,520
 1,477
 1,323
Selling expenses1,098 666 2,004 
Depreciation and amortization1,839
 1,702
 1,525
Depreciation and amortization2,019 2,040 1,982 
Special items, net787
 712
 709
Special items, net(4,006)(657)635 
Other5,088
 4,910
 4,634
Other3,994 3,186 5,428 
Total operating expenses41,885
 38,391
 35,082
Total operating expenses30,941 27,758 42,703 
Operating income2,656
 4,231
 5,060
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)(1,059)(10,421)3,065 
Nonoperating income (expense):     Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income118
 94
 63
Interest income18 41 127 
Interest expense, net(1,056) (1,053) (991)Interest expense, net(1,800)(1,227)(1,095)
Other income, net166
 123
 20
Other income, net293 154 159 
Total nonoperating expense, net(772) (836) (908)Total nonoperating expense, net(1,489)(1,032)(809)
Income before income taxes1,884
 3,395
 4,152
Income tax provision472
 2,113
 1,568
Net income$1,412
 $1,282
 $2,584
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes(2,548)(11,453)2,256 
Income tax provision (benefit)Income tax provision (benefit)(555)(2,568)570 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$(1,993)$(8,885)$1,686 
     
Earnings per common share:     
Earnings (loss) per common share:Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic$3.04
 $2.62
 $4.68
Basic$(3.09)$(18.36)$3.80 
Diluted$3.03
 $2.61
 $4.65
Diluted$(3.09)$(18.36)$3.79 
Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands):     Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic464,236
 489,164
 552,308
Basic644,015 483,888 443,363 
Diluted465,660
 491,692
 556,099
Diluted644,015 483,888 444,269 
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.40
 $0.40
 $0.40
Cash dividends declared per common share$— $0.10 $0.40 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

96


AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31, 202120202019
2018 2017 2016
Net income$1,412
 $1,282
 $2,584
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$(1,993)$(8,885)$1,686 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits(117) (70) (358)Pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits1,161 (772)(438)
Investments(3) (1) 7
Investments— — 
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax(120) (71) (351)
Total comprehensive income$1,292
 $1,211
 $2,233
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxTotal other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax1,161 (772)(435)
Total comprehensive income (loss)Total comprehensive income (loss)$(832)$(9,657)$1,251 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

97


AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except sharesshare and par value)
December 31, December 31,
2018 2017 20212020
ASSETS ASSETS
Current assets   Current assets
Cash$275
 $295
Cash$273 $245 
Short-term investments4,485
 4,771
Short-term investments12,158 6,619 
Restricted cash and short-term investments154
 318
Restricted cash and short-term investments990 609 
Accounts receivable, net1,706
 1,752
Accounts receivable, net1,505 1,342 
Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, net1,522
 1,359
Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, net1,795 1,614 
Prepaid expenses and other495
 651
Prepaid expenses and other615 666 
Total current assets8,637
 9,146
Total current assets17,336 11,095 
Operating property and equipment   Operating property and equipment
Flight equipment41,499
 40,318
Flight equipment37,856 37,816 
Ground property and equipment8,764
 8,267
Ground property and equipment9,335 9,194 
Equipment purchase deposits1,278
 1,217
Equipment purchase deposits517 1,446 
Total property and equipment, at cost51,541
 49,802
Total property and equipment, at cost47,708 48,456 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(17,443) (15,646)Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(18,171)(16,757)
Total property and equipment, net34,098
 34,156
Total property and equipment, net29,537 31,699 
Operating lease right-of-use assets9,151
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets7,850 8,039 
Other assets   Other assets
Goodwill4,091
 4,091
Goodwill4,091 4,091 
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $663 and $622, respectively2,137
 2,203
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $786 and $745, respectivelyIntangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $786 and $745, respectively1,988 2,029 
Deferred tax asset1,145
 1,816
Deferred tax asset3,556 3,239 
Other assets1,321
 1,373
Other assets2,109 1,816 
Total other assets8,694
 9,483
Total other assets11,744 11,175 
Total assets$60,580
 $52,785
Total assets$66,467 $62,008 
   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities   Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases$3,294
 $2,554
Current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases$2,489 $2,797 
Accounts payable1,773
 1,688
Accounts payable1,772 1,196 
Accrued salaries and wages1,427
 1,672
Accrued salaries and wages1,489 1,716 
Air traffic liability4,339
 4,042
Air traffic liability6,087 4,757 
Loyalty program liability3,267
 3,121
Loyalty program liability2,896 2,033 
Operating lease liabilities1,654
 
Operating lease liabilities1,507 1,651 
Other accrued liabilities2,342
 2,281
Other accrued liabilities2,766 2,419 
Total current liabilities18,096
 15,358
Total current liabilities19,006 16,569 
Noncurrent liabilities   Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities21,179
 22,511
Long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities35,571 29,796 
Pension and postretirement benefits6,907
 7,497
Pension and postretirement benefits5,053 7,069 
Loyalty program liability5,272
 5,701
Loyalty program liability6,239 7,162 
Operating lease liabilities7,902
 
Operating lease liabilities6,610 6,777 
Other liabilities1,393
 2,498
Other liabilities1,328 1,502 
Total noncurrent liabilities42,653
 38,207
Total noncurrent liabilities54,801 52,306 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)   
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)00
Stockholders' equity (deficit)   Stockholders' equity (deficit)
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,750,000,000 shares authorized, 460,610,870 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018; 475,507,887 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 20175
 5
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,750,000,000 shares authorized, 647,727,595 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021; 621,479,522 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,750,000,000 shares authorized, 647,727,595 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021; 621,479,522 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020
Additional paid-in capital4,964
 5,714
Additional paid-in capital7,234 6,894 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(5,274) (5,154)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(5,942)(7,103)
Retained earnings (deficit)136
 (1,345)
Retained deficitRetained deficit(8,638)(6,664)
Total stockholders' deficit(169) (780)Total stockholders' deficit(7,340)(6,867)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)$60,580
 $52,785
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)$66,467 $62,008 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
  Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$(1,993)$(8,885)$1,686 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization2,335 2,370 2,318 
Net gains from sale of property and equipment and sale-leaseback transactions(22)(95)(112)
Special items, net non-cash83 1,599 376 
Pension and postretirement(321)(319)(178)
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)(555)(2,568)560 
Share-based compensation98 91 94 
Other, net38 47 (62)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable(304)538 73 
Increase in other assets(402)(38)(373)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities461 (626)327 
Increase (decrease) in air traffic liability1,454 (51)469 
Increase (decrease) in loyalty program liability(60)580 76 
Contributions to pension plans(247)(9)(1,230)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities139 823 (209)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities704 (6,543)3,815 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net of aircraft purchase deposit returns(208)(1,958)(4,268)
Airport construction projects, net of reimbursements(204)(173)(98)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment193 351 54 
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions181 665 850 
Purchases of short-term investments(19,454)(5,873)(3,184)
Sales of short-term investments13,923 2,803 4,144 
Increase in restricted short-term investments(401)(308)(3)
Purchase of equity investment(28)— — 
Proceeds on sale of equity investment41 — 
Proceeds from vendor— 90 250 
Other investing activities10 20 12 
Net cash used in investing activities(5,983)(4,342)(2,243)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt12,190 11,780 3,960 
Payments on long-term debt and finance leases(7,343)(3,535)(4,190)
Proceeds from issuance of equity460 2,970 — 
Deferred financing costs(209)(93)(61)
Treasury stock repurchases and shares withheld for taxes pursuant to employee stock plans(18)(173)(1,097)
Dividend payments— (43)(178)
Other financing activities208 88 (2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities5,288 10,994 (1,568)
Net increase in cash and restricted cash109 
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of year399 290 286 
Cash and restricted cash at end of year (a)
$408 $399 $290 
 December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$1,412
 $1,282
 $2,584
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities     
Depreciation and amortization2,159
 2,017
 1,818
Debt discount and lease amortization(92) (114) (119)
Special items, non-cash458
 272
 270
Pension and postretirement(300) (132) (68)
Deferred income tax provision440
 2,089
 1,556
Share-based compensation86
 90
 100
Other, net(64) (39) (18)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:     
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable222
 (190) (160)
Increase in other assets(390) (433) (184)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities(147) 299
 307
Increase in air traffic liability297
 65
 158
Increase (decrease) in loyalty program liability(283) (308) 417
Contributions to pension plans(475) (286) (32)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities210
 132
 (105)
Net cash provided by operating activities3,533
 4,744
 6,524
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures and aircraft purchase deposits(3,745) (5,971) (5,731)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and sale-leaseback transactions1,207
 947
 125
Purchases of short-term investments(3,412) (4,633) (6,241)
Sales of short-term investments3,705
 5,915
 6,092
Proceeds from sale of investments207
 
 
Decrease in restricted short-term investments72
 309
 53
Purchase of equity investment
 (203) 
Other investing activities(7) 
 
Net cash used in investing activities(1,973) (3,636) (5,702)
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt2,354
 3,058
 7,701
Payments on long-term debt and finance leases(2,941) (2,332) (3,827)
Deferred financing costs(59) (85) (77)
Treasury stock repurchases(837) (1,615) (4,500)
Dividend payments(186) (198) (224)
Other financing activities(3) 27
 33
Net cash used in financing activities(1,672) (1,145) (894)
Net decrease in cash and restricted cash(112) (37) (72)
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of year398
 435
 507
Cash and restricted cash at end of year (a)
$286
 $398
 $435
(a) The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and restricted cash to amounts reported within the consolidated balance sheets:
Cash$275
 $295
 $322
Cash$273 $245 $280 
Restricted cash included in restricted cash and short-term investments11
 103
 113
Restricted cash included in restricted cash and short-term investments135 154 10 
Total cash and restricted cash$286
 $398
 $435
Total cash and restricted cash$408 $399 $290 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In millions, except share amounts)
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2015$6
 $11,591
 $(4,732) $(1,230) $5,635
Net income
 
 
 2,584
 2,584
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (351) 
 (351)
Cash tax withholding on shares issued
 (56) 
 
 (56)
Purchase and retirement of 119,823,621 shares of AAG common stock(1) (4,415) 
 
 (4,416)
Dividends declared on AAG common stock ($0.40 per share)
 
 
 (224) (224)
Issuance of 2,506,067 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
Settlement of single-dip unsecured claims held in distributed claims reserve
 3
 
 
 3
Share-based compensation expense
 100
 
 
 100
Impact of adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09 related to share-based compensation
 
 
 418
 418
Impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 related to revenue recognition (See Note 1(b))
 
 
 (3,977) (3,977)
Balance at December 31, 20165
 7,223
 (5,083) (2,429) (284)
Net income
 
 
 1,282
 1,282
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (71) 
 (71)
Cash tax withholding on shares issued
 (51) 
 
 (51)
Purchase and retirement of 33,953,127 shares of AAG common stock
 (1,563) 
 
 (1,563)
Dividends declared on AAG common stock ($0.40 per share)
 
 
 (198) (198)
Issuance of 2,166,861 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
Settlement of single-dip unsecured claims held in distributed claims reserve
 15
 
 
 15
Share-based compensation expense
 90
 
 
 90
Balance at December 31, 20175
 5,714
 (5,154) (1,345) (780)
Net income
 
 
 1,412
 1,412
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (120) 
 (120)
Cash tax withholding on shares issued
 (37) 
 
 (37)
Purchase and retirement of 16,606,157 shares of AAG common stock
 (799) 
 
 (799)
Dividends declared on AAG common stock ($0.40 per share)
 
 
 (188) (188)
Issuance of 1,709,140 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to employee stock plans
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation expense
 86
 
 
 86
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-01 related to financial instruments (See Note 1(b))
 
 
 60
 60
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 related to leases (See Note 1(b))
 
 
 197
 197
Balance at December 31, 2018$5
 $4,964
 $(5,274) $136
 $(169)
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018$$4,964 $(5,896)$758 $(169)
Net income— — — 1,686 1,686 
Other comprehensive loss, net— — (435)— (435)
Issuance of 1,682,202 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to employee stock plans net of shares withheld for cash taxes— (25)— — (25)
Purchase and retirement of 34,090,566 shares of AAG common stock(1)(1,095)— — (1,096)
Dividends declared on AAG common stock ($0.40 per share)— — — (180)(180)
Settlement of single-dip unsecured claims held in Disputed Claims Reserve (DCR)— — — 
Share-based compensation expense— 94 — — 94 
Balance at December 31, 20193,945 (6,331)2,264 (118)
Net loss— — — (8,885)(8,885)
Other comprehensive loss, net— — (772)— (772)
Issuance of PSP1 Warrants (see Note 1(b))— 63 — — 63 
Issuance of Treasury Loan Warrants (see Note 1(b))— 25 — — 25 
Issuance of 1,603,554 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to employee stock plans net of shares withheld for cash taxes— (15)— — (15)
Issuance of 129,490,000 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to public stock offerings, net of offering costs1,686 — — 1,687 
Issuance of 68,561,487 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to an at-the-market offering, net of offering costs868 — — 869 
Equity component of convertible debt issued, net of tax and offering costs— 320 — — 320 
Purchase and retirement of 6,378,025 shares of AAG common stock— (145)— — (145)
Dividends declared on AAG common stock ($0.10 per share)— — — (43)(43)
Settlement of single-dip unsecured claims held in DCR— 56 — — 56 
Share-based compensation expense— 91 — — 91 
Balance at December 31, 20206,894 (7,103)(6,664)(6,867)
Net loss— — — (1,993)(1,993)
Other comprehensive income, net— — 1,161 — 1,161 
Issuance of 24,150,764 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to an at-the-market offering, net of offering costs— 460 — — 460 
Impact of adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-06 related to convertible instruments (see Note 1(c))— (320)— 19 (301)
Issuance of PSP2 and PSP3 Warrants (see Note 1(b))— 121 — — 121 
Issuance of 2,357,187 shares of AAG common stock pursuant to employee stock plans net of shares withheld for cash taxes— (18)— — (18)
Settlement of single-dip unsecured claims held in DCR and retirement of 259,878 shares of AAG common stock— (1)— — (1)
Share-based compensation expense— 98 — — 98 
Balance at December 31, 2021$$7,234 $(5,942)$(8,638)$(7,340)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
American Airlines Group Inc. (we, us, our and similar terms, or AAG), a Delaware corporation, is a holding company whose primary business activity is the operation of a major network air carrier, providing scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo through its mainline operating subsidiary, American Airlines, Inc. (American) and its wholly-owned regional airline subsidiaries, Envoy Aviation Group Inc. (Envoy), PSA Airlines, Inc. (PSA) and Piedmont Airlines, Inc. (Piedmont), that operate under the brand American Eagle. On December 9, 2013, a subsidiary of AMR Corporation (AMR) merged with and into US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways Group), a Delaware corporation, which survived as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAG, and AAG emerged from Chapter 11 (the Merger). Upon closing of the Merger and emergence from Chapter 11, AMR changed its name to American Airlines Group Inc. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant areas of judgment relate to passenger revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived and intangible assets, the loyalty program, deferred tax assets, as well as pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. See (r) Regional Expenses below for further information.
(b) Recent Accounting PronouncementsImpact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Standards AdoptedCOVID-19 has been declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has surfaced in 2018
Effective January 1, 2018, we adoptednearly all regions of the accounting pronouncements described below.
ASU 2014-09: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (the New Revenue Standard)
The New Revenue Standard appliesworld, which has driven the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to all companies that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goodsprevent or services. We adoptedreduce its spread, including travel restrictions, testing regimes, closing of borders, “stay at home” orders and business closures. Ongoing global vaccination efforts and the New Revenue Standard using the full retrospective method, whichcorresponding lifting of government restrictions in and between many markets resulted in a partial recovery in demand for air travel in 2021, which improved our revenues as compared to 2020. However, the recastreturn of prior reporting periods.
demand was weaker than previous expectations and the speed and strength of this recovery remain uncertain, primarily due to the global rise in COVID-19 cases associated with the delta and omicron variants and the potential for continuation or reimposition of restrictions on global travel. The adoptioncontinued impact of the New Revenue Standard impacted our accounting for outstanding mileage credits earned through travel by AAdvantage loyalty program members. There was no changeCOVID-19 pandemic, including any increases in accounting for salesinfection rates, new variants and renewed governmental action to slow the spread of mileage credits to co-branded credit card or other partners. Prior toCOVID-19 cannot be estimated.
We have taken aggressive actions since the adoptionbeginning of the New Revenue Standard, we usedCOVID-19 pandemic to mitigate its effects on our business, including capacity reductions, structural changes to our fleet, cost reductions including implementing voluntary leave and early retirement programs, and steps to preserve cash and improve our overall liquidity position, consistent with the incremental cost method to account for the portion of our loyalty program liability related to mileage credits earned through travel, which were valued based on the estimated incremental cost of carrying one additional passenger. The New Revenue Standard required us to change our policy to the deferred revenue method and apply a relative selling price approach whereby a portion of each passenger ticket sale attributable to mileage credits earned is deferred and recognized in passenger revenue upon future mileage redemption. The valueterms of the earned mileage credits is materially greaterfinancial assistance we have received from the U.S. Government under the deferred revenue method thanCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Subtitle A of Title IV of Division N of the value attributedConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PSP Extension Law) and Section 7301 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the ARP).
Capacity Reductions
Our capacity (as measured by available seat miles) continues to these mileage credits underbe reduced compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, with total capacity in 2021 down 24.7% as compared to 2019. Domestic capacity in 2021 was down 14.5% while international capacity was down 44.9% as compared to 2019.
While demand for domestic and short-haul international markets has largely recovered to 2019 levels, uncertainty remains regarding the incremental cost method.
The New Revenue Standard also required certain reclassifications, principally the reclassificationtiming of certain ancillary revenues previously classifieda full recovery. We will continue to match our forward capacity with observed booking trends for future travel and reported as other revenue to passenger revenue and as applicable to cargo revenue. Additionally, the New Revenue Standard required a gross presentation on the face of our consolidated statements of operations for certain revenues and expenses that had previously been presented on a net basis.
See “Impacts to 2017 Results” and “Impacts to 2016 Results” below for the impactmake further adjustments to our consolidated statementscapacity as needed.
Cost Reductions
We have reduced our 2021 operating expenditures as a result of operations data for 2017permanent non-volume cost reductions and 2016, respectively, and our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 related to the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.
ASU 2017-07: Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (the New Retirement Standard)
The New Retirement Standard required all components of our net periodic benefit cost (income), with the exception of service cost, previously reported within operating expenses asother efficiency measures. These reductions include labor productivity enhancements, management salaries wages and benefits to be reclassified and reported within nonoperating income (expense). The New Retirement Standard was applied retrospectively, which resulted inother permanent cost reductions. Also, during the recastfirst quarter of each prior reporting period presented. The adoption of the New Retirement Standard had no impact on pre-tax income or net income reported.2021, approximately 1,600 represented team members opted into a voluntary early retirement program.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

Liquidity
See “ImpactsAs of December 31, 2021, we had $15.8 billion in total available liquidity, consisting of $12.4 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, $2.8 billion in undrawn capacity under revolving credit facilities and a total of $568 million in undrawn short-term revolving and other facilities.
During 2021, we completed the following financing transactions (see Note 4 for further information):
issued $3.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 and $3.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 and entered into the $3.5 billion AAdvantage Term Loan Facility of which the full amount of term loans was drawn at closing;
repaid in full $750 million under the 2013 Revolving Facility, $1.6 billion under the 2014 Revolving Facility and $450 million under the April 2016 Revolving Facility, all of which was borrowed in the second quarter of 2020 in response to 2017 Results”the COVID-19 pandemic;
repaid the $550 million of outstanding loans under, and “Impactsterminated, the $7.5 billion secured term loan facility with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) (the Treasury Loan Agreement);
issued 24.2 million shares of AAG common stock at an average price of $19.26 per share pursuant to an at-the-market offering for net proceeds of $460 million (approximately $650 million of at-the-market authorization remains available at December 31, 2021);
issued approximately $150 million in special facility revenue bonds related to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), of which $62 million was used to fund the redemption of other bonds related to JFK;
repaid in full $950 million of the outstanding balance under, and terminated, the April 2016 Results”Spare Parts Term Loan Facility;
received approximately $94 million in proceeds from enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs) and other aircraft and flight equipment financing, all of which was used to repay existing indebtedness; and
received approximately $193 million of cash proceeds from the sale of property and equipment primarily related to aircraft fleets retired in 2020 and raised $181 million principally from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions.
In addition to the foregoing financings, during 2021, we received an aggregate of approximately $3.5 billion in financial assistance through the payroll support program (PSP2) established under the PSP Extension Law. In connection with our receipt of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP2 Promissory Note) to Treasury for $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.6 million shares (the PSP2 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock.
Also in 2021, we received an aggregate of approximately $3.3 billion in financial assistance through the payroll support program (PSP3) established under the ARP. In connection with our receipt of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP3 Promissory Note) to Treasury for $946 million in aggregate principal amount and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares (the PSP3 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock. See below for further discussion on PSP2 and PSP3.
A significant portion of our debt financing agreements contain covenants requiring us to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and/or contain loan to value, collateral coverage and/or peak debt service coverage ratio covenants.
Given the impact toabove actions and our consolidated statements of operations data for 2017 and 2016, respectively, related tocurrent assumptions about the adoptionfuture impact of the New Retirement Standard.
ASU 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) (the New Lease Standard)
The New Lease Standard requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use (ROU) assetCOVID-19 pandemic on the balance sheet for operating leases. Accounting for finance leases is substantially unchanged. The New Lease Standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, we elected to early adopt the New Lease Standard as of January 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective transition, with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the effective date (the effective date method). Under the effective date method, financial results reported in periods prior to 2018 are unchanged. We also elected the package of practical expedients,travel demand, which among other things, does not require reassessment of lease classification.
The adoption of the New Lease Standard had a significant impact on our consolidated balance sheetcould be materially different due to the recognition of approximately $10 billion of lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets for operating leases.
Additionally, we recognized a $197 million cumulative effect adjustment credit, net of tax, to retained earnings. The adjustment to retained earnings was driven principally by sale-leaseback transactions including the recognition of unamortized deferred aircraft sale-leaseback gains. Prior to the adoptioninherent uncertainties of the New Lease Standard, gainscurrent operating environment, we expect to meet our cash obligations as well as remain in compliance with the debt covenants in our existing financing agreements for the next 12 months based on sale-leaseback transactions were generally deferredour current level of unrestricted cash and recognized in the income statement over the lease term. Under the New Lease Standard, gains on sale-leaseback transactions (subjectshort-term investments, our anticipated access to adjustment for off-market terms) are recognized immediately.
ASU 2016-01: Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10)
This ASU made several modifications to Subtopic 825-10, including the elimination of the available-for-sale classification of equity investments,liquidity (including via proceeds from financings), and it required equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This standard was adopted prospectively as of January 1, 2018 and resulted in a $60 millioncumulative effect adjustment credit to retained earnings, net of tax, related to our investment in China Southern Airlines Company Limited (China Southern Airlines), which was previously accounted for under the cost method.

ASU 2016-18: Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash
This ASU required that the change in the total cash balance, cash at the beginning of the period and cash at the end of the period on the statement ofprojected cash flows include restricted cash, and also required companies that report cash and restricted cash separately on the balance sheet to reconcile those amounts to the statementfrom operations.
102

Table of cash flows. This standard was applied retrospectively, which resulted in the recast of prior reporting periods in the statement of cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, $11 million, $103 million and $113 million, respectively, of restricted cash is included in the total cash and restricted cash balance at the end of the period. A reconciliation of cash and restricted cash reported on our consolidated statements of cash flows to the amounts reported on our consolidated balance sheets is provided in a table below the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.Contents



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

PSP1
ImpactsOn April 20, 2020 (the PSP1 Closing Date), American, Envoy Air Inc. (Envoy), Piedmont Airlines, Inc. (Piedmont) and PSA Airlines, Inc. (PSA and together with American, Envoy and Piedmont, the Subsidiaries), entered into a Payroll Support Program Agreement (the PSP1 Agreement) with Treasury, with respect to 2017 ResultsPSP1 provided pursuant to the CARES Act. In connection with our entry into the PSP1 Agreement, on the PSP1 Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the PSP1 Warrant Agreement) with Treasury and issued the PSP1 Promissory Note to Treasury, with the Subsidiaries as guarantors (the Guarantors).
The effectsPSP1 Agreement
In connection with PSP1, we are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the adoptionCARES Act, including the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits, the prohibition against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits, which expired on September 30, 2020, the requirement that certain levels of commercial air service be maintained and the provisions that prohibit the repurchase of AAG common stock and the payment of common stock dividends through at least September 30, 2021, as well as the provisions that restrict the payment of certain executive compensation until March 24, 2022. The PSP1 Agreement also imposes substantial reporting obligations on us. These provisions were subsequently extended upon our entry into PSP2 and PSP3. In addition, we have entered into the Treasury Loan Agreement (as defined below) and, as a result, the stock repurchase, dividend and executive compensation restrictions imposed by the Treasury Loan Agreement will remain in place through the date that is one year after the secured loan provided under the Treasury Loan Agreement is fully repaid, which was in March 2021. See below for additional information on the Treasury Loan Agreement.
Pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement, Treasury provided us financial assistance in an aggregate of approximately $6.0 billion. As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under PSP1, AAG issued the PSP1 Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $1.8 billion and issued warrants (each a PSP1 Warrant and, collectively, the PSP1 Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million shares (the PSP1 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $12.51 per share, subject to adjustment. See Note 4(g) for further information on the PSP1 Promissory Note and below for more information on the PSP1 Warrant Agreement and the PSP1 Warrants.
For accounting purposes, the $6.0 billion of aggregate financial assistance we received pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement is allocated to the PSP1 Promissory Note, the PSP1 Warrants and other PSP1 financial assistance (the PSP1 Financial Assistance). The $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of the New Revenue StandardPSP1 Promissory Note was recorded as unsecured long-term debt, and New Retirement Standardthe $63 million total fair value of the PSP1 Warrants, estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was recorded in stockholders' deficit in the consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount of approximately $4.2 billion of PSP1 Financial Assistance was recognized as a credit to ourspecial items, net in the consolidated statement of operations in the second and third quarters of 2020, the period over which the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits was required.
PSP1 Warrant Agreement and PSP1 Warrants
As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 were as follows (in millions):
    New Revenue Standard New Retirement Standard  
Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 As Reported Deferred Revenue Method Ancillary Revenue Reclassifications Gross Versus Net Presentation Reclassifications As Recast
Operating revenues:            
    Passenger $36,133
 $311
 $2,648
 $39
 $
 $39,131
    Cargo 800
 
 42
 48
 
 890
    Other 5,274
 
 (2,690) 17
 
 2,601
    Total operating revenues 42,207
 311
 
 104
 
 42,622
    Total operating expenses 38,149
 
 
 104
 138
 38,391
Operating income 4,058
 311
 
 
 (138) 4,231
Total nonoperating expense, net (974) 
 
 
 138
 (836)
Income before income taxes 3,084
 311
 
 
 
 3,395
Income tax provision (1)
 1,165
 948
 
 
 
 2,113
Net income $1,919
 $(637) $
 $
 $
 $1,282
Diluted earnings per common share $3.90
         $2.61
(1)
The adjustment to the 2017 income tax provision includes an $823 million special charge to reduce our deferred tax asset associated with loyalty program liabilities as a result of H.R. 1, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act), enacted in December 2017 that reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
provision of financial assistance under the PSP1 Agreement, and pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued the PSP1 Warrants to Treasury to purchase PSP1 Warrant Shares. The effectsexercise price of the adoptionPSP1 Warrant Shares is $12.51 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the PSP1 Warrants.
Pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued to Treasury PSP1 Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $12.51 per share, subject to adjustment.
The PSP1 Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each PSP1 Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the New Revenue Standarddate of issuance of such PSP1 Warrant. The PSP1 Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or cash, at our option. The PSP1 Warrants were issued solely as compensation to our December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheetthe U.S. Government related to entry into the PSP1 Agreement. No separate proceeds (apart from the financial assistance described above) were as follows (in millions):received upon issuance of the PSP1 Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.
103

  As Reported New Revenue Standard As Recast
Deferred tax asset $427
 $1,389
 $1,816
Air traffic liability 3,978
 64
 4,042
Current loyalty program liability 2,791
 330
 3,121
Noncurrent loyalty program liability 
 5,701
 5,701
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) 3,926
 (4,706) (780)
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

Treasury Loan Agreement
ImpactsOn September 25, 2020 (the Treasury Loan Closing Date), AAG and American entered into a Loan and Guarantee Agreement (the Treasury Loan Agreement) with Treasury, which provided for a secured term loan facility (the Treasury Term Loan Facility) that permitted American to 2016 Resultsborrow up to $5.5 billion. Subsequently, on October 21, 2020, AAG and American entered into an amendment to the Treasury Loan Agreement, which increased the borrowing amount to up to $7.5 billion. In connection with our entry into the Treasury Loan Agreement, on the Treasury Loan Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement) with Treasury.
In September 2020, American borrowed $550 million under the Treasury Term Loan Facility and on March 24, 2021, used proceeds from the AAdvantage Financing to prepay in full the $550 million of outstanding loans under the Treasury Term Loan Facility. Pursuant to the Treasury Loan Agreement, AAG issued to Treasury warrants (Treasury Loan Warrants) to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock (the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares). The effectsexercise price of the adoptionTreasury Loan Warrant Shares is $12.51 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement. For accounting purposes, the fair value for the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded in stockholders' equity with an offsetting debt discount to the Treasury Term Loan Facility in the consolidated balance sheet. The provisions of the New Revenue StandardTreasury Loan Warrants are substantially similar to the PSP1 Warrants.
PSP2
On January 15, 2021 (the PSP2 Closing Date), the Subsidiaries, entered into a Payroll Support Program Extension Agreement (the PSP2 Agreement) with Treasury, with respect to PSP2 as provided pursuant to the PSP Extension Law. In connection with our entry into the PSP2 Agreement, on the PSP2 Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the PSP2 Warrant Agreement) with Treasury and New Retirement Standardissued the PSP2 Promissory Note to ourTreasury, with the Subsidiaries as guarantors.
PSP2 Agreement
In connection with PSP2, we are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the PSP Extension Law, which are substantially similar to the restrictions contained in the Payroll Support Program Agreement entered into by the Subsidiaries with Treasury in connection with the payroll support program established under the CARES Act (the PSP1 Agreement), but are in effect for a longer time period. These provisions include the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the PSP2 Agreement be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits, the prohibition against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits, which expired on March 31, 2021, the provisions that prohibit the repurchase of AAG common stock and the payment of common stock dividends through at least March 31, 2022, the provisions that restrict the payment of certain executive compensation until at least October 1, 2022, and a requirement to recall employees involuntarily terminated or furloughed after September 30, 2020. As was the case with PSP1, the PSP2 Agreement also imposes substantial reporting obligations on us.
Pursuant to the PSP2 Agreement, Treasury provided us financial assistance in an aggregate of approximately $3.5 billion. As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under PSP2, AAG issued the PSP2 Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion and issued warrants (each a PSP2 Warrant and, collectively, the PSP2 Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.6 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $15.66 per share, subject to adjustment. See Note 4(g) for further information on the PSP2 Promissory Note and below for more information on the PSP2 Warrant Agreement and PSP2 Warrants.
For accounting purposes, the $3.5 billion of aggregate financial assistance we received pursuant to the PSP2 Agreement is allocated to the PSP2 Promissory Note, the PSP2 Warrants and other PSP2 financial assistance (the PSP2 Financial Assistance). The $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the PSP2 Promissory Note was recorded as unsecured long-term debt, and the $76 million total fair value of the PSP2 Warrants, estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was recorded in stockholders' deficit in the consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount of approximately $2.4 billion of PSP2 Financial Assistance was recognized as a credit to special items, net in the consolidated statement of operations forin the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 were as follows (in millions):first and second quarters of 2021, the period over which the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits was required.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
    New Revenue Standard New Retirement Standard  
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 As Reported Deferred Revenue Method Ancillary Revenue Reclassifications Gross Versus Net Presentation Reclassifications As Recast
Operating revenues:            
    Passenger $34,579
 $(147) $2,571
 $42
 $
 $37,045
    Cargo 700
 
 36
 49
 
 785
    Other 4,901
 
 (2,607) 18
 
 2,312
    Total operating revenues 40,180
 (147) 
 109
 
 40,142
    Total operating expenses 34,896
 
 
 109
 77
 35,082
Operating income 5,284
 (147) 
 
 (77) 5,060
Total nonoperating expense, net (985) 
 
 
 77
 (908)
Income before income taxes 4,299
 (147) 
 
 
 4,152
Income tax provision 1,623
 (55) 
 
 
 1,568
Net income $2,676
 $(92) $
 $
 $
 $2,584
Diluted earnings per common share $4.81
         $4.65
PSP2 Warrant Agreement and PSP2 Warrants
Standards Effective for 2019 Reporting Periods
ASU 2018-02: Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
This ASU provides financial statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings dueAs partial compensation to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate change as a resultGovernment for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP2 Agreement, and pursuant to the PSP2 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued the PSP2 Warrants to Treasury to purchase PSP2 Warrant Shares. The exercise price of the 2017 Tax Act. PSP2 Warrant Shares is $15.66 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the PSP2 Warrants.
Pursuant to the PSP2 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued to Treasury PSP2 Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.6 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $15.66 per share, subject to adjustment.
The PSP2 Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each PSP2 Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such PSP2 Warrant. The PSP2 Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or cash, at our option. The PSP2 Warrants were issued solely as compensation to the U.S. Government related to entry into the PSP2 Agreement. No separate proceeds (apart from the financial assistance described above) were received upon issuance of the PSP2 Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.
PSP3
On April 23, 2021 (the PSP3 Closing Date), the Subsidiaries, entered into a Payroll Support Program 3 Agreement (the PSP3 Agreement) with Treasury, with respect to PSP3 as provided pursuant to the ARP. In connection with our entry into the PSP3 Agreement, on the PSP3 Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the PSP3 Warrant Agreement) with Treasury and issued the PSP3 Promissory Note to Treasury, with the Subsidiaries as guarantors.
PSP3 Agreement
In connection with PSP3, we are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the ARP, which are substantially similar to the restrictions contained in the PSP1 Agreement, but are in effect for a longer time period. These provisions include the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the PSP3 Agreement be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits, the prohibition against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits, which expired on September 30, 2021, the provisions that prohibit the repurchase of AAG common stock and the payment of common stock dividends through at least September 30, 2022, and the provisions that restrict the payment of certain executive compensation until April 1, 2023. As was the case with PSP1 and PSP2, the PSP3 Agreement also imposes substantial reporting obligations on us.
Pursuant to the PSP3 Agreement, Treasury provided us financial assistance in an aggregate of approximately $3.3 billion. As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under PSP3, AAG issued the PSP3 Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $946 million and issued warrants (each a PSP3 Warrant and, collectively, the PSP3 Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $21.75 per share, subject to adjustment. See Note 4(g) for further information on the PSP3 Promissory Note and below for more information on the PSP3 Warrant Agreement and PSP3 Warrants.
For accounting purposes, the $3.3 billion of aggregate financial assistance we received pursuant to the PSP3 Agreement is allocated to the PSP3 Promissory Note, the PSP3 Warrants and other PSP3 financial assistance (the PSP3 Financial Assistance). The $946 million aggregate principal amount of the reclassification is the difference between the amount initially charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income at the previously enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate that remains in accumulated other comprehensive incomePSP3 Promissory Note was recorded as unsecured long-term debt, and the $46 million total fair value of the PSP3 Warrants, estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was recorded in stockholders' deficit in the consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount that wouldof approximately $2.3 billion of PSP3 Financial Assistance was recognized as a credit to special items, net in the consolidated statements of operations in the second and third quarters of 2021, the period over which the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits was required.
PSP3 Warrant Agreement and PSP3 Warrants
As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP3 Agreement, and pursuant to the PSP3 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued the PSP3 Warrants to Treasury to purchase PSP3 Warrant Shares. The exercise price of the PSP3 Warrant Shares is $21.75 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the PSP3 Warrants.
105


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
Pursuant to the PSP3 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued to Treasury PSP3 Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $21.75 per share, subject to adjustment.
The PSP3 Warrants do not have been chargedany voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each PSP3 Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such PSP3 Warrant. The PSP3 Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or credited directlycash, at our option. The PSP3 Warrants were issued solely as compensation to other comprehensive incomethe U.S. Government related to entry into the PSP3 Agreement. No separate proceeds (apart from the financial assistance described above) were received upon issuance of the PSP3 Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.
(c) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
ASU 2020-06: Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts In An Entity's Own Equity (the New Convertible Debt Standard)
The New Convertible Debt Standard simplifies the accounting for certain convertible instruments by removing the separation models for convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and for convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature. As a result, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a single liability instrument with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. Additionally, the New Convertible Debt Standard amends the diluted earnings per share calculation for convertible instruments by requiring the use of the if-converted method. The treasury stock method is no longer available. Entities may adopt the New Convertible Debt Standard using the newly enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate, excluding the effect of any valuation allowance previously charged to income from continuing operations. This standardeither a full or modified retrospective approach, and it is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018,2021. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The New Convertible Debt Standard is applicable to our 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2025 (the Convertible Notes). We early adopted the New Convertible Debt Standard as of January 1, 2021 using the modified retrospective method to recognize the Convertible Notes as a single liability instrument. As of January 1, 2021, we recorded a $415 million ($320 million net of tax) reduction to additional paid-in capital to remove the equity component of the Convertible Notes from our consolidated balance sheet and a $19 million cumulative effect adjustment credit, net of tax, to retained deficit related to non-cash debt discount amortization recognized in periods prior to adoption resulting in a corresponding reduction of $389 million to the debt discount associated with the Convertible Notes. See Note 4(h) for additional information on the Convertible Notes.
ASU 2019-12: Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740)
This standard simplifies the accounting and disclosure requirements for income taxes by clarifying the existing guidance to improve consistency in the application of Accounting Standards Codification 740. This standard also removed the requirement to calculate income tax expense for the stand-alone financial statements of wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not subject to income tax. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2021, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2021-10: Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance (Topic 832)
This standard provides guidance on the disclosure requirements for business entities receiving government assistance. Specifically, entities are required to disclose information about the nature of the assistance received, including the related accounting, the affected line items on the financial statements and amounts, and the significant terms and conditions, including any commitments and contingencies. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and early adoption is permitted. We will adoptadopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoptionas of the standard may impact tax amounts stranded in accumulated other comprehensive incomeDecember 31, 2021. See (b) Impact of COVID-19 above for disclosure related to our pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefit plans.the financial assistance we have received from Treasury.
(c) Short-term(d) Investments
Short-term investments primarily include debt securities and are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses are recorded in nonoperating expense on our consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on our consolidated balance sheets. For investments in an unrealized loss position, we determine whether a credit loss exists by considering information about the collectability of the instrument, current market conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions. There have been no credit losses.
(d)
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Equity investments are accounted for under the equity method if we are able to exercise significant influence over an investee. Equity investments for which we do not have significant influence are recorded at fair value or at cost, if fair value is not readily determinable, with adjustments for observable changes in price or impairments (referred to as the measurement alternative). Our share of equity method investee’s financial results and changes in fair value are recorded in nonoperating other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 8 for additional information related to our investments.
(e) Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments
We have restricted cash and short-term investments related primarily to collateral held to support workers’ compensation obligations.obligations, collateral associated with the payment of interest for the AAdvantage Financing and money market funds to be used to finance a substantial portion of the cost of the renovation and expansion of the Terminal at JFK.
(e)(f) Aircraft Fuel, Spare Parts and Supplies, Net
Aircraft fuel is recorded on a first-in, first-out basis. Spare parts and supplies are recorded at average costs less an allowance for obsolescence. These itemsobsolescence, which is recognized over the weighted average remaining useful life of the related fleet. We also provide an allowance for spare parts and supplies identified as excess or obsolete to reduce the carrying cost to the lower of cost or net realizable value. Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies are expensed when used.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

(f)(g) Operating Property and Equipment
Operating property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated or amortized to residual values over the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, whichever is less, using the straight-line method. Residual values for aircraft, engines and related rotable parts are generally 5% to 10% of original cost. Costs of major improvements that enhance the usefulness of the asset are capitalized and depreciated or amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, whichever is less. The estimated useful lives for the principal property and equipment classifications are as follows:
Principal Property and Equipment ClassificationEstimated Useful Life
Aircraft, engines and related rotable parts20 – 30 years
Buildings and improvements5 – 30 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment3 – 10 years
Capitalized software5 – 10 years
Total depreciation and amortization expense was $2.3 billion, $2.4 billion and $2.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
We assess impairment onof operating property and equipment when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. An impairment of an asset or group of assets is considered impairedexists only when the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows estimatedexpected to be generated directly by the assets are less than the carrying amount of the assets and the net book value of the assets. We group assets exceeds their estimated fair value.principally by fleet-type when estimating future cash flows, which is generally the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. Estimates of future cash flows are based on historical results adjusted to reflect management’s best estimate of future market and operating conditions, including our current fleet plan. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to becharge recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amountvalue of the assets exceedsexceed their fair value. Fair value reflects management’s best estimate including inputs from published pricing guides and bids from third parties as well as contracted sales agreements when applicable. In 2021, we retired our remaining Embraer 140 fleet and recorded $27 million in non-cash special impairment charges reflecting the difference between the carrying values of these assets and their fair valuevalues.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, prepaid expense and other on the consolidated balance sheets included $29 million and $164 million, respectively, of the assets. Assetsretired aircraft that are expected to be disposedsold in the next year, and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets included $383 million and $401 million, respectively, of are reported at the lowernonoperating retired aircraft.
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Table of the carrying amount or fair value less the cost to sell.Contents
Total depreciation and amortization expense was $2.4 billion, $2.2 billion and $1.9 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(g)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
(h) Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROUright-of-use (ROU) assets, current operating lease liabilities and noncurrent operating lease liabilities inon our consolidated balance sheet.sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases and long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities, inon our consolidated balance sheet.sheets.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term.
We use our estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is derived from information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. We give consideration to our recent debt issuances as well as publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when calculating our incremental borrowing rates.
Our lease term includes options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on theour consolidated balance sheet.sheets. Our lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.
Under certain of our capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, we do not own the underlying aircraft. However, since we control the marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories of these aircraft and therefore control the asset, the aircraft is deemed to be leased for accounting purposes. For these capacity purchase agreements, we account for the lease and non-lease components separately. The lease component consists of the aircraft and the non-lease components consist of services, such as the crew and maintenance. We allocate the consideration in the capacity purchase agreements to the lease and non-lease components using their estimated relative standalone prices. See Note 12(b)11(b) for additional information on our capacity purchase agreements.
For real estate, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
(h)(i) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded net as noncurrent deferred income taxes.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

We provide a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of our deferred tax assets, will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. We consider all available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions in evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Many factors are considered that impact our assessment of future profitability, including conditions which are beyond our control, such as the health of the economy, the levelavailability and price volatility of aircraft fuel prices and travel demand.
(i)(j) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price overin excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but assessedassumed in connection with the merger with US Airways Group. We have 1 reporting unit. We assess goodwill for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. We have one consolidated reporting unit.lower than the carrying value. Our annual assessment date is October 1.
Goodwill is assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment and, if necessary, then comparingassessment. If we determine that it is more likely than not that our goodwill may be impaired, we use a quantitative approach to assess the asset’s fair value and the amount of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than its carrying value, an impairment, charge equal to the difference is recorded.if any. Based upon our annual assessment, there was no goodwill impairment in 2018.2021. The carrying value of theour goodwill on our consolidated balance sheets was $4.1 billion as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017.2020.
(j)(k) Other Intangibles, Net
Intangible assets consist primarily of certain domestic airport slots and gate leasehold rights, customer relationships, marketing agreements, international slots and route authorities airport gate leasehold rights and tradenames.
Finite-Lived
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Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-livedDefinite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their acquired fair values, subsequently amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewedare assessed for impairment whenever events or changes inand circumstances indicate that the carrying valueassets may not be recoverable.impaired.
The following table provides information relating to our amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 20182021 and 20172020 (in millions):
December 31, December 31,
2018 2017 20212020
Domestic airport slots$365
 $365
Domestic airport slots$365 $365 
Customer relationships300
 300
Customer relationships300 300 
Marketing agreements105
 105
Marketing agreements105 105 
Tradenames35
 35
Tradenames35 35 
Airport gate leasehold rights137
 137
Airport gate leasehold rights137 137 
Accumulated amortization(663) (622)Accumulated amortization(786)(745)
Total$279
 $320
Total$156 $197 
Certain domestic airport slots and airport gate leasehold rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years. The customer relationships and marketing agreements were identified as intangible assets subject to amortization and are amortized on a straight-line basis over approximately nine years and 30 years, respectively. Tradenames are fully amortized.
We recorded amortization expense related to these intangible assets of $41 million $44 million and $76 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016, respectively.2019. We expect to record annual amortization expense for these intangible assets as follows (in millions):


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

2019$41
202041
202141
202241
20237
2024 and thereafter108
Total$279
2022$41 
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027 and thereafter88 
Total$156 
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets include certain domestic airport slots at our hubs and international slots and route authorities. Indefinite-livedWe assess indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but instead are assessed for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. For both periods as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had $1.9 billionfair values of indefinite-lived intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
In the second quarter of 2018, we recorded a $26 million impairment charge on a Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement, whichmay be lower than their carrying values. Our annual assessment date is included within special items, net on our consolidated statement of operations.October 1.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment toassessment. If we determine whether we believethat it is more likely than not that an asset has been impaired. Ifour indefinite-lived intangible assets may be impaired, we believe impairment has occurred, we then evaluate for impairment by comparinguse a quantitative approach to assess the estimatedasset’s fair value and the amount of assets to the carrying value. An impairment, charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value is less than its carrying value.any. Based upon our annual assessment, there were no additional indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments in 2018 other than the Brazil route authority described above.
(k) Revenue Recognition
Revenue
Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the New Revenue Standard using the full retrospective method, which resulted in the recast2021. We had $1.8 billion of prior reporting periods. Refer to “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 1(b) for the effects of the adoption on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 andindefinite-lived intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheetsheets as of December 31, 2017.Under the New2021 and 2020.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
(l) Revenue Standard, revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised products or services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services.Recognition
Revenue
The following are the significant categories comprising our reported operating revenues (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Passenger revenue:
Passenger travel$23,896 $13,456 $38,831 
Loyalty revenue - travel (1)
2,167 1,062 3,179 
Total passenger revenue26,063 14,518 42,010 
Cargo1,314 769 863 
Other:
Loyalty revenue - marketing services (2)
2,166 1,825 2,361 
Other revenue339 225 534 
Total other revenue2,505 2,050 2,895 
Total operating revenues$29,882 $17,337 $45,768 
 2018 2017 2016
Passenger revenue:     
Passenger travel$37,457
 $36,152
 $34,278
Loyalty revenue - travel (1)
3,219
 2,979
 2,767
Total passenger revenue40,676
 39,131
 37,045
Cargo1,013
 890
 785
Other:     
Loyalty revenue - marketing services2,352
 2,124
 1,872
Other revenue500
 477
 440
Total other revenue2,852
 2,601
 2,312
Total operating revenues$44,541
 $42,622
 $40,142
(1)
Loyalty revenue included in passenger revenue is principally comprised of mileage credit redemptions earned through travel and mileage credits sold to co-branded credit card and other partners. See “Loyalty Revenue” below for further discussion on these mileage credits.

(1)Loyalty revenue included in passenger revenue is principally comprised of mileage credit redemptions, which were earned from travel or co-branded credit card and other partners. See “Loyalty Revenue” below for further discussion on these mileage credits.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

(2)During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, cash payments from co-branded credit card and other partners were $3.4 billion, $2.9 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively.
The following is our total passenger revenue by geographic region (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018 2017 2016 202120202019
Domestic$29,573
 $28,749
 $27,202
Domestic$21,453 $11,765 $30,881 
Latin America5,125
 4,840
 4,676
Latin America3,506 1,852 5,047 
Atlantic4,376
 4,028
 3,873
Atlantic965 654 4,624 
Pacific1,602
 1,514
 1,294
Pacific139 247 1,458 
Total passenger revenue$40,676
 $39,131
 $37,045
Total passenger revenue$26,063 $14,518 $42,010 
We attribute passenger revenue by geographic region based upon the origin and destination of each flight segment.
Passenger Revenue
We recognize all revenues generated from transportation on American and our regional flights operated under the brand name American Eagle, including associated baggage fees, ticketing change fees and other inflight services, as passenger revenue when transportation is provided. Ticket and other related sales for transportation that has not yet been provided are initially deferred and recorded as air traffic liability on our consolidated balance sheets. The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel.
The majority of tickets sold are nonrefundable. A small percentage of tickets, some of which are partially used tickets, expire unused. Due to complex pricing structures, refund and exchange policies, and interline agreements with other airlines, certain amounts are recognized in passenger revenue using estimates regarding both the timing of the revenue recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are generally based on the analysis of our historical data. We have consistently applied this accounting method to estimate revenue from forfeitedunused tickets at the date of travel. Estimated future refunds and exchanges included in the air traffic liability are routinely evaluated based on subsequent activity to validate the accuracy of our estimates. Any adjustments resulting from periodic evaluations of the estimated air traffic liability are included in passenger revenue during the period in which the evaluations are completed.
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Various taxes and fees assessed on the sale of tickets to end customers are collected by us as an agent and remitted to taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and recorded as a liability until remitted to the appropriate taxing authority.
Loyalty Revenue
We currently operate the loyalty program, AAdvantage. This program awards mileage credits to passengers who fly on American, any oneworld airline or other partner airlines, or by using the services of other program participants, such as the Citi and Barclaycard USour co-branded credit cards, and certain hotels and car rental companies. Mileage credits can be redeemed for travel on American and other participating partner airlines, as well as other non-air travel awards such as hotels and rental cars. For mileage credits earned by AAdvantage loyalty program members, we apply the deferred revenue method in accordance withmethod. In response to the New Revenue Standard.COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended the expiration of mileage credits through March 31, 2022 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets.
Mileage credits earned through travel
For mileage credits earned through travel, we apply a relative selling price approach whereby the total amount collected from each passenger ticket sale is allocated between the air transportation and the mileage credits earned. The portion of each passenger ticket sale attributable to mileage credits earned is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided. The estimated selling price of mileage credits is determined using an equivalent ticket value approach, which uses historical data, including award redemption patterns by geographic region and class of service, as well as similar fares as those used to settle award redemptions. The estimated selling price of miles is adjusted for an estimate of milesmileage credits that will not be redeemed using a statistical model based on historical redemption patterns.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

patterns to develop an estimate of the likelihood of future redemption. Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust our estimates in the future.
Mileage credits sold to co-branded credit cards and other partners
We sell mileage credits to participating airline partners and non-airline business partners, including our co-branded credit card partners, under contracts with terms extending generally for one to ninefive years. Consideration received from the sale of mileage credits is variable and payment terms typically are within 30 days subsequent to the month of mileage sale. Sales of mileage credits to non-airline business partners are comprised of two2 components, transportation and marketing. We allocate the consideration received from these sales of mileage credits based on the relative selling price of each product or service delivered.
Our most significant partner agreements are our co-branded credit card agreements with Citi and Barclaycard US that we entered into in 2016.US. We identified the following revenue elements in these co-branded credit card agreements: the transportation component; and the use of intellectual property, including the American brand and access to loyalty program member lists, which is the predominant element in the agreements, as well as advertising (collectively, the marketing component). Accordingly, we recognize the marketing component in other revenue in the period of the mileage sale following the sales-based royalty method.
The transportation component represents the estimated selling price of future travel awards and is determined using the same equivalent ticket value approach described above. The portion of each mileage credit sold attributable to transportation is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided.
For the portion of our outstanding mileage credits that we estimate will not be redeemed, we recognize the associated value proportionally as the remaining mileage credits are redeemed. Our estimates areuse a statistical model based on analysishistorical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of historical redemptions.the likelihood of future redemption.
Cargo Revenue
Cargo revenue is recognized when we provide the transportation.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
Other Revenue
Other revenue includes revenue associated with our loyalty program, which is comprised principally of the marketing component of mileage sales to co-branded credit card and other partners and other marketing related payments. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, loyaltyLoyalty revenue included in other revenue was $2.2 billion, $1.8 billion and $2.4 billion $2.1 billionfor the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and $1.9 billion,2019, respectively. The accounting and recognition for the loyalty program marketing services are discussed above in “Loyalty Revenue.” The remaining amounts included within other revenue relate to airport clubs, advertising and vacation-related services.
Contract Balances
Our significant contract liabilities are comprised of (1) outstanding loyalty program mileage credits that may be redeemed for future travel and other non-air travel awards, reported as loyalty program liability on our consolidated balance sheetsheets and (2) ticket sales for transportation that has not yet been provided, reported as air traffic liability on our consolidated balance sheet.sheets.
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in millions)
Loyalty program liability$8,539
 $8,822
Air traffic liability4,339
 4,042
Total$12,878
 $12,864


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

December 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Loyalty program liability$9,135 $9,195 
Air traffic liability6,087 4,757 
Total$15,222 $13,952 
The balance of the loyalty program liability fluctuates based on seasonal patterns, which impact the volume of mileage credits issued through travel or sold to co-branded credit card and other partners (deferral of revenue) and mileage credits redeemed (recognition of revenue). Changes in loyalty program liability are as follows (in millions):
Balance at December 31, 2017$8,822
Deferral of revenue3,083
Recognition of revenue (1)
(3,366)
Balance at December 31, 2018 (2)
$8,539
Balance at December 31, 2020$9,195 
Deferral of revenue2,161 
Recognition of revenue (1)
(2,221)
Balance at December 31, 2021 (2)
$9,135 
(1)
(1)Principally relates to revenue recognized from the redemption of mileage credits for both air and non-air travel awards. Mileage credits are combined in one homogenous pool and are not separately identifiable. As such, the revenue is comprised of miles that were part of the loyalty program deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period, as well as miles that were issued during the period.
(2)Mileage credits can be redeemed at any time and generally do not expire as long as that AAdvantage member has any type of qualifying activity at least every 18 months. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended the expiration of mileage credits through March 31, 2022 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets. As of December 31, 2021, our current loyalty program liability was $2.9 billion and represents our current estimate of revenue expected to be recognized in the next 12 months based on historical as well as projected trends, with the balance reflected in long-term loyalty program liability expected to be recognized as revenue in periods thereafter. Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust our estimates in the future.
Principally relates to revenue recognized from the redemption of mileage credits for both air and non-air travel awards. Mileage credits are combined in one homogenous pool and are not separately identifiable. As such, the revenue is comprised of miles that were part of the loyalty program deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period, as well as miles that were issued during the period.
(2)
Mileage credits can be redeemed at any time and do not expire as long as that AAdvantage member has any type of qualifying activity at least every 18 months. As of December 31, 2018, our current loyalty program liability was $3.3 billion and represents our current estimate of revenue expected to be recognized in the next twelve months based on historical trends, with the balance reflected in long-term loyalty program liability expected to be recognized as revenue in periods thereafter.
The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel. The balance in our air traffic liability also fluctuates with seasonal travel patterns. The contract duration of passenger tickets is generally one year. Accordingly, any revenue associated with tickets sold for future travel will be recognized within twelve12 months. For 2018, $3.12021, $1.7 billion of revenue was recognized in passenger revenue that was included in our air traffic liability at December 31, 2017.2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we extended the contract duration for certain tickets to March 31, 2022, principally those tickets which were scheduled to expire from March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Additionally, tickets to certain international destinations have extended contract duration to December 31, 2022. We also have eliminated change fees for most domestic and international tickets providing more flexibility for customers to change travel plans. Given these changes and the uncertainty surrounding the future demand for air travel, our estimates of revenue that will be recognized from the air traffic liability for future flown or unused tickets as well as our estimates of refunds may be subject to variability and differ from historical experience.
With respect to
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
Our ticket contract receivables relate to ticket sales to individual passengers primarily through the use of major credit cards and are reflected as accounts receivable, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, these primarily include receivables for tickets sold to individual passengers through the use of major credit cards.sheets. These receivables are short-term, mostly settled within seven days after sale. Bad debtAll accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for credit losses, which have been minimal inminimal. We consider past and future financial and qualitative factors when establishing the past, have been considered in establishing allowancesallowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses.
(l)(m) Maintenance, Materials and Repairs
Maintenance and repair costs for owned and leased flight equipment are charged to operating expense as incurred, except costs incurred for maintenance and repair under flight hour maintenance contract agreements, which are accrued based on contractual terms when an obligation exists.
(m)(n) Selling Expenses
Selling expenses include credit card fees, commissions, computerized reservations systemsthird party distribution channel fees and advertising. Selling expenses associated with passenger revenue are expensed when the transportation or service is provided. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $128$105 million, $135$57 million and $116$144 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively.
(n)(o) Share-based Compensation
We account for our share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock award at the time of grant, which is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the stock award. CertainThe majority of our stock awards have performance conditions that must be achieved prior to vestingare time vested restricted stock units, and are expensed based on the expected achievement at each reporting period. The fair value of stock appreciation rights is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock unitssuch awards is based on the market price of the underlying shares of AAG common stock on the date of grant. See Note 1514 for further discussion of share-based compensation.
(o)(p) Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
Foreign currency gains and losses are recorded as part of other income, net within total nonoperating expense, net inon our consolidated statements of operations. ForeignFor the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, foreign currency losses for 2018 and 2017were$554 million, $24 million and $4 million, respectively, and for 2016, foreign currency gains were $1$32 million.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

(p)(q) Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses includes costs associated with ground and cargo handling, crew travel, aircraft food and catering, aircraft cleaning, passenger accommodation, airport security, international navigation fees and certain general and administrative expenses.
(q)(r) Regional Expenses
Our regional carriers provide scheduled air transportation under the brand name “American Eagle.” The American Eagle carriers include our wholly-owned regional carriers as well as third-party regional carriers. Substantially all of our regional carrier arrangements are in the form of capacity purchase agreements. Expenses associated with American Eagle operations are classified as regional expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2021, aircraft fuel and related taxes as well as certain salaries, wages and benefits, other rent and landing fees, selling and other expenses are no longer allocated to regional expenses on our consolidated statements of operations. The 2020 consolidated statement of operations has been recast to conform to the 2021 presentation. This statement of operations presentation change has no impact on total operating expenses or net loss.
Regional expenses consistfor the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 include $316 million, $325 million and $336 million of depreciation and amortization, respectively, and $6 million, $13 million and $29 million of aircraft rent, respectively.
In 2021, 2020, and 2019, we recognized $495 million, $438 million and $590 million, respectively, of expense under our capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airways Inc. (Republic). We hold a 25% equity interest in Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Holdings), the following (in millions):parent company of Republic.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Aircraft fuel and related taxes$1,843
 $1,382
 $1,109
Salaries, wages and benefits1,591
 1,452
 1,333
Capacity purchases from third-party regional carriers (1)
1,431
 1,581
 1,538
Maintenance, materials and repairs340
 281
 345
Other rent and landing fees610
 625
 564
Aircraft rent32
 35
 36
Selling expenses369
 361
 347
Depreciation and amortization318
 315
 301
Special items, net6
 22
 14
Other593
 492
 457
Total regional expenses$7,133
 $6,546
 $6,044
113
(1)
In 2018, we recognized $565 million of expense under our capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airline Inc. (Republic). We hold a 25% equity interest in Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Holdings), the parent company of Republic.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

2. Special Items, Net
Special items, net on our consolidated statements of operations consisted of the following (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Fleet restructuring expenses (1)
$422
 $232
 $177
Merger integration expenses (2)
268
 273
 514
Severance expenses (3)
58
 
 
Litigation settlement (4)
45
 
 
Intangible asset impairment (5)
26
 
 
Labor contract expenses13
 46
 
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (6)
(76) 27
 25
Employee 2017 Tax Act bonus expense (7)

 123
 
Other operating charges (credits), net31
 11
 (7)
Mainline operating special items, net787
 712
 709
Regional operating special items, net6
 22
 14
Operating special items, net793
 734
 723
      
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity investments, net (8)
104
 
 
Debt refinancing and extinguishment charges13
 22
 49
Other nonoperating credits, net(4) 
 
Nonoperating special items, net113
 22
 49
      
Income tax special items (9)
18
 
 
Impact of the 2017 Tax Act (10)

 823
 
Income tax special items, net18
 823
 
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
PSP Financial Assistance (1)
$(4,162)$(3,710)$— 
Severance expenses (2)
168 1,408 11 
Litigation reserve adjustments(19)— (53)
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (3)
(3)(49)(11)
Fleet impairment (4)
— 1,484 213 
Labor contract expenses (5)
— 228 — 
Fleet restructuring expenses (6)
— — 271 
Merger integration expenses (7)
— — 191 
Other operating special items, net10 (18)13 
Mainline operating special items, net(4,006)(657)635 
PSP Financial Assistance (1)
(539)(444)— 
Regional pilot retention program (8)
61 — — 
Fleet impairment (4)
27 117 — 
Severance expenses (2)
18 — 
Other operating special items, net— — 
Regional operating special items, net(449)(309)
Operating special items, net(4,455)(966)641 
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net (9)
31 135 (5)
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net29 35 
Nonoperating special items, net60 170 
(1)The 2021 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP2 and PSP3 Agreements. See Note 1(b) for further information. The 2020 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement.
(1)
(2)The 2021 and 2020 severance expenses include salary and medical costs primarily associated with certain team members who opted into voluntary early retirement programs offered as a result of reductions to our operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash payments primarily associated with our voluntary early retirement programs were approximately $520 million and $365 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The 2019 severance expenses primarily included costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members.
(3)Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of our common stock are marked-to-market based on our stock price.
(4)Fleet impairment charges resulted from the retirement of certain aircraft earlier than planned driven by the severe decline in air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we retired our remaining Embraer 140 fleet resulting in a non-cash write-down of these regional aircraft. See Note 1(g) for further information related to these charges.
In 2020, we retired our entire Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 fleets as well as certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft resulting in a $1.5 billion non-cash write-down of mainline and regional aircraft and associated spare parts and $109 million in cash charges primarily for impairment of ROU assets and lease return costs.
Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and rent expense for aircraft and related equipment grounded or expected to be grounded earlier than planned.
(2)
Merger integration expenses included costs associated with integration projects, principally our flight attendant, human resources and payroll, and technical operations systems.
(3)
Severance expenses primarily included costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members.
(4)
Settlement of a private party antitrust lawsuit. See Note 12(e) - “Private Party Antitrust Action Related to Passenger Capacity” for further discussion.
(5)
Intangible asset impairment includes a non-cash charge to write-off our Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement.
(6)
Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of our common stock are marked-to-market based on our stock price.
(7)
Employee bonus expense included costs related to the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in recognition of the 2017 Tax Act.
(8)
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity investments relate to net unrealized losses primarily associated with our equity investments in China Southern Airlines and Mesa Air Group, Inc.
(9)
Income tax special items for 2018 included an $18 million charge related to an international income tax matter.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

The 2019 fleet impairment principally included a non-cash write-down of aircraft related to the retirement of our Embraer 190 fleet.
(5)The 2020 labor contract expenses primarily related to one-time charges due to the ratification of a new contract with the Transport Workers Union and International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (TWU-IAM Association) for our maintenance and fleet service team members, including signing bonuses and adjustments to vacation accruals resulting from pay rate increases.
(6)Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and rent expense for aircraft and related equipment expected to be retired earlier than planned.
(7)Merger integration expenses included costs associated with integration projects, principally our technical operations, flight attendant, human resources and payroll systems.
(8)Our regional pilot retention program provides for, among other things, a cash retention bonus paid in the fourth quarter of 2021 to eligible captains at our wholly-owned regional airlines included on the pilot seniority list as of September 1, 2021.
(9)Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net primarily related to net unrealized gains and losses associated with our equity investments in China Southern Airlines Company Limited (China Southern Airlines) and in 2021, Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (Vertical), and certain treasury rate lock derivative instruments.
(10)
Impact of the 2017 Tax Act includes an $823 million non-cash charge to income tax expense to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on our deferred tax asset and liabilities resulting from the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
3. Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share (EPS) (in millions, except share and per share amounts):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Basic EPS:
Net income (loss)$(1,993)$(8,885)$1,686 
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands)644,015 483,888 443,363 
Basic EPS$(3.09)$(18.36)$3.80 
Diluted EPS:
Net income (loss) for purposes of computing diluted EPS$(1,993)$(8,885)$1,686 
Share computation for diluted EPS (in thousands):
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding644,015 483,888 443,363 
Dilutive effect of stock awards and warrants— — 906 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding644,015 483,888 444,269 
Diluted EPS$(3.09)$(18.36)$3.79 
Securities that could potentially dilute EPS in the future, and which were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive, are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
6.50% convertible senior notes61,728 31,882 — 
PSP1 Warrants5,392 349 — 
Restricted stock unit awards3,420 4,584 2,520 
Treasury Loan Warrants1,681 107 — 
PSP2 Warrants1,300 — — 
115
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Basic EPS:     
Net income$1,412
 $1,282
 $2,584
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands)464,236
 489,164
 552,308
Basic EPS$3.04
 $2.62
 $4.68
      
Diluted EPS:     
Net income for purposes of computing diluted EPS$1,412
 $1,282
 $2,584
Share computation for diluted EPS (in thousands):     
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding464,236
 489,164
 552,308
Dilutive effect of stock awards1,424
 2,528
 3,791
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding465,660
 491,692
 556,099
Diluted EPS$3.03
 $2.61
 $4.65
      
Restricted stock unit awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because inclusion would be antidilutive (in thousands)1,266
 328
 1,429

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4.  Share Repurchase Programs and Dividends
In April 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a new $2.0 billion share repurchase program that expires on December 31, 2020. Since July 2014, our Board of Directors has approved seven share repurchase programs aggregating $13.0 billion of authority. As of December 31, 2018, there was $1.7 billion remaining authority to repurchase shares under our new $2.0 billion share repurchase program. Share repurchases under our repurchase programs may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, block trades or accelerated share repurchase transactions. Any such repurchases that may be made from time to time will be subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. We are not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares and our repurchase of AAG common stock may be limited, suspended or discontinued at any time at our discretion and without prior notice.
In 2018, we repurchased 16.6 million shares of AAG common stock for $800 million at a weighted average cost per share of $48.15. In 2017, we repurchased 33.9 million shares of AAG common stock for $1.6 billion at a weighted average cost per share of $45.68. In 2016, we repurchased 119.8 million shares of AAG common stock for $4.4 billion at a weighted average cost per share of $36.86. Since the inception of our share repurchase programs in July 2014 through December 31, 2018, we have repurchased 278.9 million shares of AAG common stock for $11.3 billion at a weighted average cost per share of $40.69.
Our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.10 per share totaling $186 million, $198 million and $224 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

5.4. Debt
Long-term debt included in theon our consolidated balance sheets consisted of (in millions):
 December 31,
 20212020
Secured
2013 Term Loan Facility, variable interest rate of 1.85%, installments through 2025 (a)
$1,770 $1,788 
2013 Revolving Facility (a)
— 750 
2014 Term Loan Facility, variable interest rate of 1.85%, installments through 2027 (a)
1,208 1,220 
2014 Revolving Facility (a)
— 1,643 
April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility (a)
— 960 
April 2016 Revolving Facility (a)
— 450 
December 2016 Term Loan Facility, variable interest rate of 2.11%, installments through 2023 (a)
1,188 1,200 
11.75% senior secured notes, interest only payments until due in July 2025 (b)
2,500 2,500 
10.75% senior secured IP notes, interest only payments until due in February 2026 (b)
1,000 1,000 
10.75% senior secured LGA/DCA notes, interest only payments until due in February 2026 (b)
200 200 
Treasury Term Loan Facility (c)
— 550 
5.50% senior secured notes, installments beginning in July 2023 until due in April 2026 (d)
3,500 — 
5.75% senior secured notes, installments beginning in July 2026 until due in April 2029 (d)
3,000 — 
AAdvantage Term Loan Facility, variable interest rate of 5.50%, installments beginning in July 2023 through April 2028 (d)
3,500 — 
Enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs), fixed interest rates ranging from 2.88% to 8.39%, averaging 3.84%, maturing from 2022 to 2034 (e)
9,357 11,013 
Equipment loans and other notes payable, fixed and variable interest rates ranging from 1.27% to 4.64%, averaging 1.82%, maturing from 2022 to 20323,433 4,417 
Special facility revenue bonds, fixed interest rates ranging from 2.25% to 5.38%, maturing from 2026 to 2036 (f)
1,129 1,064 
31,785 28,755 
Unsecured
PSP1 Promissory Note, interest only payments until due in April 2030 (g)
1,765 1,765 
PSP2 Promissory Note, interest only payments until due in January 2031 (g)
1,035 — 
PSP3 Promissory Note, interest only payments until due in April 2031 (g)
946 — 
6.50% convertible senior notes, interest only payments until due in July 2025 (h)
1,000 1,000 
5.000% senior notes, interest only payments until due in June 2022 (i)
750 750 
3.75% senior notes, interest only payments until due in March 2025 (i)
500 500 
5,996 4,015 
Total long-term debt37,781 32,770 
Less: Total unamortized debt discount, premium and issuance costs458 749 
Less: Current maturities2,315 2,697 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities$35,008 $29,324 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
 December 31,
 2018 2017
Secured   
2013 Credit Facilities, variable interest rate of 4.26%, installments through 2025 (a)
$1,825
 $1,825
2014 Credit Facilities, variable interest rate of 4.39%, installments through 2021 (a)
1,215
 728
April 2016 Credit Facilities, variable interest rate of 4.52%, installments through 2023 (a)
980
 990
December 2016 Credit Facilities, variable interest rate of 4.46%, installments through 2023 (a)
1,225
 1,238
Aircraft enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs), fixed interest rates ranging from 3.00% to 9.01%, averaging 4.21%, maturing from 2019 to 2029 (b)
11,648
 11,881
Equipment loans and other notes payable, fixed and variable interest rates ranging from 2.34% to 8.48%, averaging 4.26%, maturing from 2019 to 2030 (c)
5,060
 5,259
Special facility revenue bonds, fixed interest rates ranging from 5.00% to 8.00%, maturing from 2019 to 2031798
 857
Other secured obligations
 2
 22,751
 22,780
Unsecured   
5.50% senior notes, interest only payments until due in 2019 (d)
750
 750
4.625% senior notes, interest only payments until due in 2020 (d)
500
 500
6.125% senior notes
 500
 1,250
 1,750
Total long-term debt24,001
 24,530
Less: Total unamortized debt discount, premium and issuance costs222
 236
Less: Current maturities3,213
 2,476
Long-term debt, net of current maturities$20,566
 $21,818
The table below showsAs of December 31, 2021, the maximum availability under our revolving credit and other facilities all of which were undrawn,is as of December 31, 2018follows (in millions):
2013 Revolving Facility$750 
2014 Revolving Facility1,643 
April 2016 Revolving Facility450 
Short-term Revolving and Other Facilities568 
Total$3,411 
2013 Revolving Facility$1,000
2014 Revolving Facility1,543
April 2016 Revolving Facility300
Total$2,843
American has an undrawn $500 million short-term revolving credit facility, which was set to expire at the beginning of January 2022 but which has been extended through the beginning of January 2023. Beginning January 2, 2022, the available amount thereunder decreased to $150 million. American also currently has approximately $68 million of available borrowing base under a cargo receivables facility that was entered into in December 2020 and is set to expire in December 2022. The December 2016 Credit Facilities provide for a revolving credit facility that may be established thereunder in the future.
Secured financings, including revolving credit and other facilities, are collateralized by assets, consisting primarily of aircraft, engines, simulators, aircraft spare parts, airport gate leasehold rights, route authorities, airport slots, certain receivables, certain intellectual property and pre-delivery payments.certain loyalty program assets.
At December 31, 2018,2021, the maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in millions):
2019$3,258
20202,320
20213,411
20221,346
20233,894
2024 and thereafter9,772
Total$24,001


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

2022$2,387 
20234,167 
20243,467 
20259,249 
20264,412 
2027 and thereafter14,099 
Total$37,781 
(a) 2013, 2014, April 2016 and December 2016 Credit Facilities
2013 Credit Facilities
In May 2018,November 2019, American and AAG entered into a Fourththe Sixth Amendment (the Fourth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement) to the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amending the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of May 21, 2015 which amended and restated the Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 27, 2013 (as previously amended, the 2013 Credit Agreement,Agreement; the revolving credit facility established thereunder, the 2013 Revolving Facility,Facility; the term loan facility established thereunder, the 2013 Term Loan Facility,Facility; and the 2013 Revolving Facility together with the 2013 Term Loan Facility, the 2013 Credit Facilities), pursuant to which American refinanced $1.8 billion of the existing term loans outstanding under the 2013 Credit Facilities with proceeds of term loans incurred under the Fourth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement (the 2013 Replacement Term Loans). The LIBOR margin on the 2013 Replacement Term Loans was reduced from 2.00% to 1.75% and the base rate margin on the 2013 Replacement Term Loans was reduced from 1.00% to 0.75%. Additionally, the maturity date of the 2013 Replacement Term Loans was extended to June 2025 pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement.
In December 2018, American and AAG entered into a Fifth Amendment (the Fifth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement) to the 2013 Credit Agreement, as previously amended by the Fourth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement, adjustments to the 2013 Revolving Facility were made, including reducing the total aggregate commitments under the 2013 Revolving Facility by $200to $750 million extendingfrom $1.0 billion. In addition, certain lenders party to the 2013 Credit Agreement extended the maturity date forof their commitments under the revolver loans thereunder2013 Revolving Facility to October 2024 from October 20222023.
In March 2021, American repaid in full the $750 million of outstanding revolving loans under the 2013 Revolving Facility that was drawn in April 2020. Following the March 2021 repayment, American is able to October 2023 and reducingdraw upon the LIBOR margin from 2.25% to 2.00% andcommitment under the base rate margin from 1.25% to 1.00% for certain2013 Revolving Facility again as needed upon the terms of the lenders of the revolver loans thereunder.2013 Credit Agreement or leave it undrawn, in each case, until such commitment expires, which is currently scheduled to occur in October 2024. As of December 31, 2018,2021, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the 2013 Revolving Facility.
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2014 Credit Facilities
In September 2018,November 2019, American and AAG entered into a Fifththe Seventh Amendment (the Fifth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement) to the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amending the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of April 20, 2015, which amended and restated the Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of October 10, 2014 (as previously amended, the 2014 Credit Agreement,Agreement; the revolving credit facility established thereunder, the 2014 Revolving Facility,Facility; the term loan facility established thereunder, the 2014 Term Loan Facility,Facility; and the 2014 Revolving Facility together with the 2014 Term Loan Facility, the 2014 Credit Facilities). The Fifth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement provides for incremental term loans in the amount of $500 million under the 2014 Term Loan Facility. The terms of such incremental term loans are substantially similar to the terms of the existing term loans under the 2014 Term Loan Facility, including those with regard to maturity and interest rate margins. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $1.2 billion was outstanding under the 2014 Term Loan Facility.
In December 2018, American and AAG entered into a Sixth Amendment (the Sixth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement) to the 2014 Credit Agreement, as previously amended by the Fifth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Sixth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement, adjustments to the 2014 Revolving Facility were made, including increasing which increased the total aggregate commitments under the 2014 Revolving Facility by approximately $543 million, extendingto $1.6 billion from $1.5 billion. In addition, certain lenders party to the 2014 Credit Agreement extended the maturity date of their commitments under the 2014 Revolving Facility to October 2024 from October 2023.
In January 2020, American and AAG entered into the Eighth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement, pursuant to which American refinanced the 2014 Term Loan Facility, increasing the total aggregate principal amount outstanding to $1.2 billion, reducing the LIBOR margin from 2.00% to 1.75%, with a LIBOR floor of 0%, and reducing the base rate margin from 1.00% to 0.75%. In addition, the maturity date for the revolver loans thereunder2014 Term Loan Facility was extended to January 2027 from October 20222021.
In March 2021, American repaid in full the $1.6 billion of outstanding revolving loans under the 2014 Revolving Facility that was drawn in April and May 2020. Following the March 2021 repayment, American is able to October 2023 and reducingdraw upon the LIBOR margin from 2.25% to 2.00% andcommitment under the base rate margin from 1.25% to 1.00% for certain2014 Revolving Facility again as needed upon the terms of the lenders of the revolver loans thereunder. In addition to the slots, gates and routes (SGR) between airports in the United States and LHR previously pledged as collateral for the 2014 Credit Facilities, SGR between airportsAgreement or leave it undrawn, in the United States and other countrieseach case, until such commitment expires, which is currently scheduled to occur in the European Union were added as collateral under the 2014 Credit Facilities pursuant to the Sixth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement.October 2024. As of December 31, 2018,2021, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the 2014 Revolving Facility.Facility.
April 2016 Credit Facilities
In December 2018,November 2019, American and AAG entered into a Fourththe Fifth Amendment (the Fourth Amendment to the April 2016 Credit Agreement) to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amending the Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of April 29, 2016 (as previously amended, the April 2016 Credit Agreement, andAgreement; the revolving credit facility established thereunder, the April 2016 Revolving Facility,Facility; the term loan facility established thereunder, the April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan FacilityFacility; and the April 2016 April Revolving Facility together with the April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility, the April 2016 Credit Facilities). Pursuant, which increased the total aggregate commitments under the April 2016 Revolving Facility to the Fourth Amendment$450 million from $300 million. In addition, certain lenders party to the April 2016 Credit Agreement adjustments toextended the maturity date of their commitments under the April 2016 Revolving Facility were made, including extending the maturity dateto October 2024 from October 20222023.
In March 2021, American repaid in full the $450 million of outstanding revolving loans under the April 2016 Revolving Facility that was drawn in April 2020. Following the March 2021 repayment, American is able to October 2023 fordraw upon the revolver loans established thereunder and reducingcommitment under the LIBOR margin from 2.25% to 2.00% andApril 2016 Revolving Facility again as needed upon the base rate margin from 1.25% to 1.00% for certainterms of the lendersApril 2016 Credit Agreement or leave it undrawn, in each case, until such commitment expires, which is currently scheduled to occur in October 2024.
On July 22, 2021, American repaid in full the $950 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding term loans under, and terminated, the revolver loans thereunder.April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility. The April 2016 Revolving Facility, in an available aggregate principal amount of $450 million, remains in place. As of December 31, 2018,2021, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the April 2016 Revolving Facility.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

December 2016 Credit Facilities
In November 2017,December 2016, American and AAG entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amending the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2016 pursuant to which American refinanced(as amended, the $1.3 billionDecember 2016 Credit Agreement; the term loan facility due December 2023 established thereunder, (thethe December 2016 Term Loan Facility,Facility; and together with athe revolving credit facility that may be established thereunder in the future, the December 2016 Credit Facilities), to reduce the LIBOR margin from 2.50% to 2.00% and the base rate margin from 1.50% to 1.00%.
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Certain details of our 2013 Credit Facilities, 2014 Credit Facilities, April 2016 Credit Facilities and December 2016 Credit Facilities (collectively referred to as the Credit Facilities) are shown in the table below as of December 31, 2018:2021:
2013 Credit Facilities 2014 Credit Facilities April 2016 Credit Facilities December 2016 Credit Facilities 2013 Credit Facilities2014 Credit FacilitiesApril 2016 Credit FacilitiesDecember 2016 Credit Facilities
2013 Replacement Term Loan 2013 
Revolving Facility
 2014 Term Loan 2014 
Revolving
Facility
 April 2016 Term Loan April 2016 
Revolving
Facility
 December 2016 Term Loan 2013 Term Loan2013 
Revolving Facility
2014 Term Loan2014 
Revolving
Facility
April 2016 
Revolving
Facility
December 2016 Term Loan
Aggregate principal issued or credit facility availability
(in millions)
$1,900 $1,000 $1,250 $1,543 $1,000 $300 $1,250Aggregate principal issued
or credit facility availability
(in millions)
$1,919$750$1,280$1,643$450$1,250
Principal outstanding or drawn (in millions)$1,825 $— $1,215 $— $980 $— $1,225Principal outstanding or
drawn (in millions)
$1,770$—$1,208$—$—$1,188
Maturity dateJune 2025 October 2023 October 2021 October 2023 April 2023 October 2023 December 2023Maturity dateJune 2025October 2024January 2027October 2024October 2024December 2023
LIBOR margin1.75% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%LIBOR margin1.75%2.00%1.75%2.00%2.00%2.00%
The term loans under each of the Credit Facilities are repayable in annual installments in an amount equal to 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount issued, with any unpaid balance due on the respective maturity dates. Voluntary prepayments may be made by American at any time.
The 2013 Revolving Facility, 2014 Revolving Facility and April 2016 Revolving Facility provide that American may from time to time borrow, repay and reborrow loans thereunder. The 2013 Revolving Facility and 2014 Revolving Facility have the ability to issue letters of credit thereunder in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time up to $100 million and $200 million, respectively. The 2013 Revolving Facility, 2014 Revolving Facility and April 2016 Revolving Facility are each subject to an undrawn annual fee of 0.63%. As of December 31, 2018, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the 2013 Revolving Facility, 2014 Revolving Facility or April 2016 Revolving Facility. The December 2016 Credit Facilities provide for a revolving credit facility that may be established thereunder in the future.
Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, the Credit Facilities are secured by collateral, including certain spare parts, certain slots, certain route authorities, certain simulators and certain leasehold rights. American has the ability to make future modifications to the collateral pledged, subject to certain restrictions. American’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed by AAG. American is required to maintain a certain minimum ratio of appraised value of the collateral to the outstanding loans as further described below in Collateral-RelatedCertain Covenants.”
The Credit Facilities contain events of default customary for similar financings, including cross default to other material indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding obligations may be accelerated and become due and payable immediately. In addition, if a “change of control” occurs, American will (absent an amendment or waiver) be required to repay at par the loans outstanding under the Credit Facilities and terminate the 2013 Revolving Facility, 2014 Revolving Facility and April 2016 Revolving Facility and any revolving credit facility established under the December 2016 Credit Facilities. The Credit Facilities also include covenants that, among other things, require AAG to maintain a minimuman aggregate liquidity (as defined in the Credit Facilities) of not less thanat least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and limit the ability of AAG and its restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends and make certain other payments, make certain investments, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens on the collateral, dispose of the collateral, enter into certain affiliate transactions and engage in certain business activities, in each case subject to certain exceptions.

(b) Senior Secured Notes

11.75% Senior Secured Notes
In June 2020, American issued $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 11.75% senior secured notes due 2025 (the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes) at a price equal to 99% of their aggregate principal amount. The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.75% per annum (subject to increase if the collateral coverage ratio described below is not met). Interest on the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, which began on January 15, 2021. The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes will mature on July 15, 2025. The obligations of American under the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by AAG.
The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of June 30, 2020 (the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Indenture), by and among American, AAG and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee). The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes are American’s senior secured
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(b) EETCs
Below isobligations. Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes are secured on a discussionfirst-lien basis by security interests in certain assets, rights and properties utilized by American in providing its scheduled air carrier services to and from certain airports in the United States and certain airports in Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Switzerland (collectively, the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral). American’s obligations with respect to the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes are also secured on a second-lien basis by security interests in certain assets, rights and properties utilized by American in providing its scheduled air carrier services to and from certain airports in the United States and certain airports in the European Union and the United Kingdom (collectively, the Second Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and together with the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral, the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral). American may be required to pledge additional collateral in the future under the terms of the 2018 aircraft financing activities resulting11.75% Senior Secured Notes, and in certain circumstances may elect to pledge additional collateral as a replacement for existing collateral. The Second Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral also secures the 2014 Credit Facilities on a first-lien basis.
American may redeem the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes, in whole at any time or in part from EETC issuances.
2017-2 EETCstime to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes being redeemed plus a make whole premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to (but not including) the redemption date.
In the event of a specified change of control, each holder of 11.75% Senior Secured Notes may require American to repurchase its 11.75% Senior Secured Notes in whole or in part at a repurchase price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to (but not including) the repurchase date.
American is required to deliver an appraisal of the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and officer’s certificate on a semi-annual basis demonstrating the calculation of a collateral coverage ratio in relation to the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral as of the end of each semi-annual period based on such appraisal. If American fails to deliver the officer’s certificate in a timely manner or the collateral coverage ratio is less than 1.6 to 1.0 as of the end of the semi-annual period, then, subject to an opportunity to cure the deficiency in the collateral coverage ratio, American will be required to pay special interest in an additional amount equal to 2.0% per annum of the outstanding principal amount of the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes until the collateral coverage ratio is established to be at least 1.6 to 1.0.
The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of AAG and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (including American) to: (i) pay dividends, redeem or repurchase stock or make other distributions or restricted payments, (ii) incur liens on the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and dispose of or release the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral, (iii) repay subordinated indebtedness, (iv) make certain loans and investments, (v) incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock, (vi) merge, consolidate or sell assets, (vii) undergo certain change of control transactions, and (viii) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Indenture.
Upon the occurrence of any event of default (other than certain bankruptcy or insolvency or reorganization events affecting AAG or certain of its subsidiaries, including American), the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes may be declared to be due and payable immediately. Upon the occurrence of certain bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events affecting American or certain of its subsidiaries (including American), all outstanding 11.75% Senior Secured Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice on the part of the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee or any holder of the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes.
10.75% Senior Secured Notes
On September 25, 2020 (the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date), American issued $1.0 billion in initial principal amount of senior secured IP notes (the IP Notes) and $200 million in initial principal amount of senior secured LGA/DCA notes (the LGA/DCA Notes and together with the IP Notes, the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes). The obligations of American under the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Guarantees) on a senior unsecured basis by AAG. The 10.75% Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.75% per annum in cash. For any interest period on or prior to September 1, 2022, American may, at its election, pay interest at a rate of 12.00% per annum payable one-half in cash and one-half in kind. Interest on the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on September 1 and March 1 of each year, which began on March 1, 2021. The 10.75% Senior Secured Notes will mature on February 15, 2026.
The 10.75% Senior Secured Notes were each issued pursuant to a separate indenture, dated as of September 25, 2020 (individually, the IP Notes Indenture and the LGA/DCA Notes Indenture and collectively, the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures), by and among American, AAG and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral
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trustee (the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee). The IP Notes are secured by a first lien security interest on certain intellectual property of American, including the “American Airlines” trademark and the “aa.com” domain name in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions (the IP Collateral), and a second lien on certain slots related to American’s operations at New York LaGuardia and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports and certain other assets (the LGA/DCA Collateral and together with the IP Collateral, the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral). Subject to certain conditions, American will be permitted to incur up to $4.0 billion of additional pari passu debt and unlimited second lien debt secured by the IP Collateral securing the IP Notes. The LGA/DCA Notes are secured by a first lien security interest in the LGA/DCA Collateral. American may be required to pledge additional collateral in the future under the terms of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, and in certain circumstances may elect to pledge additional collateral including as a replacement for existing collateral. The LGA/DCA Collateral also secures on a first-lien basis the December 2016 Credit Facilities.
On or prior to the fourth anniversary of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date, American may redeem all or any part of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes redeemed plus a make whole premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any. After the fourth anniversary of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date and on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date, American may redeem all or any part of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 105.375% of the principal amount of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any. After the fifth anniversary of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date, American may redeem all or any part of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, at its option, at par, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any.
In the event of a specified change of control, each holder of 10.75% Senior Secured Notes may require American to repurchase its 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, in whole or in part, at a repurchase price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes so repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to (but not including) the repurchase date.
The 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures contain covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of AAG and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (including American) to: (i) pay dividends, redeem or repurchase stock or make other distributions or restricted payments, (ii) incur liens on the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and dispose of or release the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral, (iii) repay subordinated indebtedness, (iv) make certain loans and investments, (v) incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock, (vi) merge, consolidate or sell assets, and (vii) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted. In addition, the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures include covenants that require AAG to maintain (a) an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and (b) a certain minimum ratio of appraised value of the collateral to outstanding debt secured thereby on a first lien basis as further described below in “Certain Covenants.” These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures.
Upon the occurrence of any event of default (other than certain bankruptcy or insolvency or reorganization events affecting AAG or certain of its subsidiaries, including American), the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes may be declared to be due and payable immediately. Upon the occurrence of certain bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events affecting AAG or certain of its subsidiaries (including American), all outstanding 10.75% Senior Secured Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice on the part of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee or any holder of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes.
(c) Treasury Loan Agreement
On September 25, 2020, American and AAG entered into a Loan and Guarantee Agreement (the Treasury Loan Agreement) with Treasury, which provided for a secured term loan facility (the Treasury Term Loan Facility) that permitted American to borrow up to $5.5 billion. Subsequently, on October 21, 2020, American and AAG entered into an amendment to the Treasury Loan Agreement, which increased the borrowing amount to up to $7.5 billion.
In September 2020, American borrowed $550 million under the Treasury Term Loan Facility, and on March 24, 2021, used proceeds from the AAdvantage Financing to prepay in full the $550 million of outstanding loans under the Treasury Term Loan Facility and terminated the Treasury Loan Agreement.
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(d) AAdvantage Financing
On March 24, 2021 (the AAdvantage Financing Closing Date), American and AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of American (Loyalty Issuer and, together with American, the AAdvantage Issuers), completed the offering of $3.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes) and $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the 2029 Notes, and together with the 2026 Notes, the AAdvantage Notes). The AAdvantage Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the AAdvantage Note Guarantees) on a senior unsecured basis by AAG and fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by AAdvantage Holdings 1, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of American, and AAdvantage Holdings 2, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of American and the direct parent of Loyalty Issuer (HoldCo2, and together with AAdvantage Holdings 1, Ltd., the Original SPV Guarantors), and as of August 27, 2021, certain Luxembourg limited liability companies and partnerships that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Loyalty Issuer including Madrid IP Lux HoldCo SCS, a Luxembourg common limited partnership (Madrid IP SCS) (collectively, the Madrid SPV Guarantors and, together with the Original SPV Guarantors, the SPV Guarantors, and the SPV Guarantors together with AAG, the AAdvantage Guarantors). The AAdvantage Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 24, 2021 (the AAdvantage Indenture), by and among the AAdvantage Issuers, the AAdvantage Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral custodian.
Concurrent with the issuance of the AAdvantage Notes, the AAdvantage Issuers, as co-borrowers, entered into a term loan credit and guaranty agreement, dated March 24, 2021, with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as collateral administrator, and the lenders party thereto, providing for a $3.5 billion term loan facility (the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility and collectively with the AAdvantage Notes, the AAdvantage Financing) and pursuant to which the full $3.5 billion of term loans (the AAdvantage Loans) were drawn on the AAdvantage Financing Closing Date. The AAdvantage Loans are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (together with the AAdvantage Note Guarantees, the AAdvantage Guarantees) by the AAdvantage Guarantors.
Subject to certain permitted liens and other exceptions, the AAdvantage Notes, AAdvantage Loans and AAdvantage Guarantees provided by the SPV Guarantors will be secured by a first-priority security interest in, and pledge of, various agreements with respect to the AAdvantage program (the AAdvantage Agreements) (including all payments thereunder) and certain IP Licenses (as defined below), certain deposit accounts that will receive cash under the AAdvantage Agreements, certain reserve accounts, the equity of each of Loyalty Issuer and the SPV Guarantors and substantially all other assets of Loyalty Issuer and the SPV Guarantors including Transferred AAdvantage IP (as defined below) (collectively, the AAdvantage Collateral).
Payment Terms of the AAdvantage Notes and AAdvantage Loans under the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility
Interest on the AAdvantage Notes is payable in cash, quarterly in arrears on the 20th day of each January, April, July and October 2017,(each, an AAdvantage Payment Date), which began on July 20, 2021. The 2026 Notes will mature on April 20, 2026, and the 2029 Notes will mature on April 20, 2029. The outstanding principal on the 2026 Notes will be repaid in quarterly installments of $292 million on each AAdvantage Payment Date, beginning on July 20, 2023. The outstanding principal on the 2029 Notes will be repaid in quarterly installments of $250 million on each AAdvantage Payment Date, beginning on July 20, 2026.
The AAdvantage Issuers may redeem the AAdvantage Notes, at their option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the AAdvantage Notes redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
The scheduled maturity date of the AAdvantage Loans under the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility is April 20, 2028. The AAdvantage Loans bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR (but not less than 0.75% per annum), plus a margin of 4.75% per annum, payable on each AAdvantage Payment Date. The outstanding principal on the AAdvantage Loans will be repaid in quarterly installments of $175 million, on each AAdvantage Payment Date beginning with the AAdvantage Payment Date in July 2023. These amortization payments (as well as those for the AAdvantage Notes) will be subject to the occurrence of certain early amortization events, including the failure to satisfy a minimum debt service coverage ratio at specified determination dates.
Prepayment of some or all of the AAdvantage Loans outstanding under the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility is permitted, although payment of an applicable premium is required as specified in the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility.
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The AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility contain mandatory prepayment provisions triggered upon (i) the issuance or incurrence by Loyalty Issuer or the SPV Guarantors of certain indebtedness or (ii) the receipt by American or its subsidiaries of net proceeds from pre-paid frequent flyer (i.e., AAdvantage) mile sales exceeding $505 million. Each of these prepayments would also require payment of an applicable premium. Certain other events, including the occurrence of a change of control with respect to AAG and certain AAdvantage Collateral sales exceeding a specified threshold, will also trigger mandatory repurchase or mandatory prepayment provisions under the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility, respectively.
Other Terms of the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility
The AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility contain certain covenants that limit the ability of Loyalty Issuer, the SPV Guarantors and, in certain circumstances, American and AAG, to among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness and make restricted payments, (ii) incur certain liens on the AAdvantage Collateral, (iii) merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of their assets, (iv) dispose of the AAdvantage Collateral, (v) sell pre-paid frequent flyer (i.e. AAdvantage) miles in excess of $550 million in the aggregate, and (vi) terminate, amend, waive, supplement or modify the IP Licenses, or exercise rights and remedies thereunder, except under certain circumstances. American and Loyalty Issuer are also prohibited from substantially reducing the AAdvantage program business or modifying the terms of the AAdvantage program in a manner that would reasonably be expected to materially impair repayment of the AAdvantage Financing obligations (described as a Payment Material Adverse Effect in each of the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility), and AAG and its subsidiaries are prohibited from changing the policies and procedures of the AAdvantage program in a manner that would reasonably be expected to have a Payment Material Adverse Effect or operating a competing loyalty program. Notwithstanding these restrictions, the AAdvantage program is expected to operate as it has in the past, and the entry into the AAdvantage Financing is not expected to have any impact on the benefits offered to AAdvantage members.
The AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility also require the AAdvantage Issuers to comply with certain affirmative covenants, including the requirement to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause sufficient counterparties to AAdvantage Agreements to direct at least 90% of payments with respect to the AAdvantage program on a quarterly basis into a collections account, for application to the payment of fees, principal and interest on the AAdvantage Notes and the AAdvantage Loans pursuant to a payment waterfall described in the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility, respectively. In addition, the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility require AAG to maintain minimum liquidity, defined as the sum of (a) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and (b) the aggregate principal amount committed and available to be drawn under all of AAG's revolving credit and other facilities, at the close of any business day of at least $2.0 billion.
Subject to certain materiality thresholds, qualifications, exceptions, “baskets” and grace and cure periods, the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility contain various events of default, including payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain other indebtedness, termination of certain agreements related to the AAdvantage program, bankruptcy events of Loyalty Issuer or any SPV Guarantor, and a change of control of Loyalty Issuer or any SPV Guarantor. A bankruptcy event of American is not itself an event of default; following an American bankruptcy, an event of default would only occur if American failed to satisfy certain enumerated bankruptcy case milestones, including an assumption of the AAdvantage Financing by a certain date. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding obligations under the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility may (or, with respect to the bankruptcy events noted above, shall) be accelerated and become due and payable immediately.
Terms of Certain Intercompany Agreements Related to the AAdvantage Financing
In connection with the issuance of the AAdvantage Notes and entry into the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility, American, Loyalty Issuer and the SPV Guarantors entered into a series of transactions that resulted in the transfer to Loyalty Issuer or Madrid IP SCS of, among other things, American’s rights to certain data and other intellectual property used in the AAdvantage program (subject to certain exceptions) (such assets, the Transferred AAdvantage IP) and certain rights of American under specified AAdvantage Agreements. Loyalty Issuer, the SPV Guarantors and American have entered into a series of intercompany license agreements (collectively, the IP Licenses) pursuant to which Loyalty Issuer has indirectly granted to American an exclusive, irrevocable (subject to certain termination rights), perpetual, worldwide, royalty-bearing sublicense to use the Transferred AAdvantage IP. The IP Licenses would be terminated, and American’s right to use the Transferred AAdvantage IP would cease, upon specified termination events, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of an event of default under the AAdvantage Indenture or the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility. In certain circumstances, such a termination would trigger a liquidated damages payment in an amount that is greater than the initial principal amount of the AAdvantage Notes and the AAdvantage Loans.
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In addition, proceeds from the AAdvantage Financing were loaned by Loyalty Issuer to American pursuant to an intercompany note that was guaranteed by AAG. The borrowings under this intercompany note are payable on demand by Loyalty Issuer or, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under the AAdvantage Financing, by the master collateral agent under the AAdvantage Financing.
(e) EETCs
2021-1 Aircraft EETCs
In November 2021, American created threetwo pass-through trusts which issued approximately $1.0 billion$960 million aggregate face amount of Series 2017-2 Class AA,2021-1 Class A and Class B EETCs (the 2017-22021-1 Aircraft EETCs) in connection with the financing of 3026 aircraft previously delivered or to be delivered to American through May 2018September 2022 (the 2017-22021-1 Aircraft). In 2017,As of December 31, 2021, approximately $735$94 million of the net proceeds werehad been used to purchase equipment notes issued by American in connection with the financing of 245 aircraft financed under the 2017-2 EETC. During the first six months2021-1 Aircraft EETCs, all of 2018, the remaining $283 million of net proceedswhich was used to purchase equipment notes issued by American in connection with the financing of the remaining six aircraft financed under the 2017-2 EETCs.repay existing indebtedness. Interest and principal payments on equipment notes issued in connection with the 2017-22021-1 Aircraft EETCs are payable semi-annually in AprilJanuary and October ofJuly each year, with interest payments that beganscheduled to begin in April 2018July 2022 and with principal payments that beganscheduled to begin in October 2018. TheseJanuary 2023. The remaining proceeds of approximately $866 million as of December 31, 2021 were being held in escrow with a depositary for the benefit of the holders of the 2021-1 Aircraft EETCs until such time as American issues additional equipment notes with respect to the remaining 2021-1 Aircraft to the pass-through trusts, which will purchase such additional equipment notes with the escrowed funds. These escrowed funds are securednot guaranteed by liensAmerican and are not reported as debt on its consolidated balance sheet because the 2017-2 Aircraft.proceeds held by the depositary for the benefit of the holders of the 2021-1 Aircraft EETCs are not American’s assets.
Certain information regarding the 2017-22021-1 Aircraft EETC equipment notes, as of December 31, 2018,2021, is set forth in the table below.
 2021-1 Aircraft EETCs
 Series ASeries B
Aggregate principal issued$758 million$202 million
Remaining escrowed proceeds$684 million$182 million
Fixed interest rate per annum2.875%3.95%
Maturity dateJuly 2034July 2030
 2017-2 EETCs
 Series AA Series A Series B
Aggregate principal issued$545 million $252 million $221 million
Fixed interest rate per annum3.35% 3.60% 3.70%
Maturity dateOctober 2029 October 2029 October 2025
(f) Special Facility Revenue Bonds
2012-2C(R) EETCs
On May 15, 2018,In January 2020, American created a pass-through trustand British Airways announced the start of construction projects to upgrade New York's JFK Terminal 8 (the Terminal). The construction project is currently scheduled to be completed in 2023 and is estimated to cost $439 million, of which issued $100$298 million aggregate face amountwas funded with proceeds of the Series 2012-2 Class C(R) EETCsspecial facility revenue bonds issued by the New York Transportation Development Corporation (NYTDC) on behalf of American in June 2020 (the 2012-2C(R) EETCs). Interest2020 JFK Bonds) and principal payments on equipment notesapproximately $84 million of which was funded with proceeds of the approximately $150 million of special facility revenue bonds NYTDC issued in connection with the 2012-2C(R) EETCs are payable semi-annually in June and December of each year, which began in December 2018.2021 (the 2021 JFK Bonds).
American had previouslyis required to pay debt service on the 2021 JFK Bonds through payments under a loan agreement with NYTDC (as amended), and American and AAG guarantee the 2021 JFK Bonds. American continues to pay debt service on the outstanding bonds issued $100 million aggregate face amountby NYTDC on behalf of Series 2012-2 Class C CertificatesAmerican in 2016 and 2020 (the 2016 and 2020 JFK Bonds) and American and AAG continue to guarantee the 2016 and 2020 JFK Bonds. American’s and AAG’s obligations under these guarantees are secured by a leasehold mortgage on June 6, 2013 (the 2012-2C Certificates) in connection withAmerican’s lease of the financing of 11 aircraft previously delivered to American between May 2013Terminal and October 2013. On June 1, 2018, American redeemed the Series C Equipment Notes relating to such 2012-2C Certificates (the 2012-2C Equipment Notes), which were scheduled to mature on June 3, 2018. The proceeds receivedrelated property from the 2012-2C(R) EETCsPort Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The 2021 JFK Bonds, in aggregate, were priced at par value. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the 2021 JFK Bonds were approximately $150 million. Of this amount, $4 million was used forto fund the costs of issuance of the 2021 JFK Bonds, $62 million was used to fund the redemption of the 2012-2 Series C Equipment Notes2016 and 2020 JFK Bonds due August 2021, with the repaymentremaining amount of proceeds received to be held in restricted cash and short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheet and to be used to finance a portion of the 2012-2C Certificates.
Certain information regardingcost of the 2012-2 Class C(R) EETC equipment notes, asrenovation and expansion of the Terminal. The 2021 JFK Bonds are comprised of term bonds, $70 million of which bear interest at 2.25% per annum and mature on August 1, 2026, and $80 million of which bear interest at 3.00% per annum and mature on August 1, 2031. As of December 31, 2018, is set forth2021, $236 million of proceeds funded by the issuance of the 2020 and 2021 JFK Bonds are included in restricted cash and short-term investments on the table below.accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
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Series C(R)
Aggregate principal issued$100 million
Fixed interest rate per annum4.70%
Maturity dateJune 2021
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(c) Equipment Loans and Other Notes Payable Issued in 2018
In 2018, American entered into agreements under which it borrowed $1.5 billion in connection with the financing of certain aircraft and certain pre-delivery purchase deposits. Debt incurred under these agreements matures in 2021 through 2030 and bears interest at fixed and variable rates of LIBOR plus an applicable margin averaging 4.28% at December 31, 2018.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

(g) PSP Promissory Notes
(d)PSP1 Promissory Note
On April 20, 2020 (the PSP1 Closing Date), as partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP1 Agreement, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP1 Promissory Note) to Treasury, which provides for our unconditional promise to pay to Treasury the principal sum of $1.8 billion, and the guarantee of our obligations under the PSP1 Promissory Note by the Subsidiaries.
The PSP1 Promissory Note bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to 1.00% per annum until the fifth anniversary of the PSP1 Closing Date and 2.00% plus an interest rate based on the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) per annum or other benchmark replacement rate consistent with customary market conventions (but not to be less than 0.00%) thereafter until the tenth anniversary of the PSP1 Closing Date (the PSP1 Maturity Date), and interest accrued thereon will be payable in arrears on the last business day of March and September of each year, which began on September 30, 2020. The aggregate principal amount outstanding under the PSP1 Promissory Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts payable under the PSP1 Promissory Note, will be due and payable on the PSP1 Maturity Date.
We may, at any time and from time to time, voluntarily prepay amounts outstanding under the PSP1 Promissory Note, in whole or in part, without penalty or premium. Within 30 days of the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events, we are required to prepay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the PSP1 Promissory Note at such time, together with any accrued interest or other amounts owing under the PSP1 Promissory Note at such time.
The PSP1 Promissory Note is our senior unsecured obligation and each guarantee of the PSP1 Promissory Note is the senior unsecured obligation of each of the Subsidiaries, respectively.
The PSP1 Promissory Note contains events of default, including cross-default with respect to acceleration or failure to pay at maturity other material indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of an event of default and subject to certain grace periods, the outstanding obligations under the PSP1 Promissory Note may, and in certain circumstances will automatically, be accelerated and become due and payable immediately.
PSP2 Promissory Note
As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP2 Agreement, AAG issued the PSP2 Promissory Note to Treasury, which provides for our unconditional promise to pay to Treasury the principal sum of $1.0 billion, and the guarantee of our obligations under the PSP2 Promissory Note by the Subsidiaries.
The PSP2 Promissory Note bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to 1.00% per annum until the fifth anniversary of the PSP2 Closing Date and 2.00% plus an interest rate based on SOFR per annum or other benchmark replacement rate consistent with customary market conventions (but not to be less than 0.00%) thereafter until the tenth anniversary of the PSP2 Closing Date (the PSP2 Maturity Date), and interest accrued thereon will be payable in arrears on the last business day of March and September of each year, which began on March 31, 2021. The aggregate principal amount outstanding under the PSP2 Promissory Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts payable under the PSP2 Promissory Note, will be due and payable on the PSP2 Maturity Date.
We may, at any time and from time to time, voluntarily prepay amounts outstanding under the PSP2 Promissory Note, in whole or in part, without penalty or premium. Within 30 days of the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events, we are required to prepay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the PSP2 Promissory Note, together with any accrued interest or other amounts owing under the PSP2 Promissory Note at such time.
The PSP2 Promissory Note is our senior unsecured obligation and each guarantee of the PSP2 Promissory Note is the senior unsecured obligation of each of the Subsidiaries, respectively.
The PSP2 Promissory Note contains events of default, including cross-default with respect to acceleration or failure to pay at maturity other material indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of an event of default and subject to certain grace periods, the outstanding obligations under the PSP2 Promissory Note may, and in certain circumstances will automatically, be accelerated and become due and payable immediately.
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PSP3 Promissory Note
As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP3 Agreement, AAG issued the PSP3 Promissory Note to Treasury, which provides for our unconditional promise to pay to Treasury the principal sum of $946 million, and the guarantee of our obligations under the PSP3 Promissory Note by the Subsidiaries.
The PSP3 Promissory Note bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to 1.00% per annum until the fifth anniversary of the PSP3 Closing Date and 2.00% plus an interest rate based on SOFR per annum or other benchmark replacement rate consistent with customary market conventions (but not to be less than 0.00%) thereafter until the tenth anniversary of the PSP3 Closing Date (the PSP3 Maturity Date), and interest accrued thereon will be payable in arrears on the last business day of March and September of each year, which began on September 30, 2021. The aggregate principal amount outstanding under the PSP3 Promissory Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts payable under the PSP3 Promissory Note, will be due and payable on the PSP3 Maturity Date.
We may, at any time and from time to time, voluntarily prepay amounts outstanding under the PSP3 Promissory Note, in whole or in part, without penalty or premium. Within 30 days of the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events, we are required to prepay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the PSP3 Promissory Note, together with any accrued interest or other amounts owing under the PSP3 Promissory Note at such time.
The PSP3 Promissory Note is our senior unsecured obligation and each guarantee of the PSP3 Promissory Note is the senior unsecured obligation of each of the Subsidiaries, respectively.
The PSP3 Promissory Note contains events of default, including cross-default with respect to acceleration or failure to pay at maturity other material indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of an event of default and subject to certain grace periods, the outstanding obligations under the PSP3 Promissory Note may, and in certain circumstances will automatically, be accelerated and become due and payable immediately.
(h) 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes
In June 2020, AAG completed the public offering of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of AAG’s 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2025 (the Convertible Notes). The Convertible Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by American on a senior unsecured basis (the Convertible Notes Guarantee). The net proceeds to us from the Convertible Notes were approximately $970 million, after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses. The Convertible Notes were priced to investors in the offering at 100% of their principal amount.
The Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of June 25, 2020 (the Base Indenture), between AAG and Wilmington Trust, National Association as trustee (the Convertible Notes Trustee), as supplemented by that certain first supplemental indenture, dated as of June 25, 2020, among AAG, American and the Convertible Notes Trustee (the Convertible Notes Supplemental Indenture and, together with the Base Indenture, the Convertible Notes Indenture). The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum. Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, which began on January 1, 2021. The Convertible Notes will mature on July 1, 2025, unless earlier converted or redeemed or repurchased by us.
Upon conversion, AAG will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of AAG common stock or a combination of cash and shares of AAG common stock, at AAG’s election. The initial conversion rate is 61.7284 shares of AAG common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $16.20 per share of AAG common stock). The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in some events as described in the Convertible Notes Indenture.
Holders may convert their Convertible Notes at their option only in the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter) commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2020, if the last reported sale price per share of AAG common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; (2) during the 5 consecutive business days immediately after any 10 consecutive trading day period (such 10 consecutive trading day period, the measurement period) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price per share of AAG common stock on such trading day and the conversion rate on such trading day; (3) upon the occurrence of certain corporate events or distributions on AAG common stock; (4) if
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AAG calls such Convertible Notes for redemption; and (5) at any time from, and including, April 1, 2025 until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date of the Convertible Notes.
In addition, following certain corporate events that occur prior to the maturity date or upon AAG’s issuance of a notice of redemption, AAG will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such corporate event or during the related redemption period in certain circumstances by a specified number of shares of AAG common stock as described in the Convertible Notes Indenture.
AAG will not have the right to redeem the Convertible Notes prior to July 5, 2023. On or after July 5, 2023 and on or before the 20th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, AAG may redeem the Convertible Notes, in whole or in part, if the last reported sale price of AAG common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect on (1) each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date AAG sends the related redemption notice; and (2) the trading day immediately before the date AAG sends such notice. In the case of any optional redemption, AAG will redeem the Convertible Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
If AAG undergoes a fundamental change described in the Convertible Notes Indenture prior to the maturity date of the Convertible Notes, except as described in the Convertible Notes Indenture, holders of the Convertible Notes may require AAG to repurchase for cash all or part of their Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
The Convertible Notes Indenture provides for customary terms and covenants, including that upon certain events of default, either the Convertible Notes Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes then outstanding may declare the unpaid principal amount of the Convertible Notes and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount of the Convertible Notes together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, will automatically become and be immediately due and payable.
As previously discussed in Note 1(c), as of January 1, 2021, we early adopted the New Convertible Debt Standard. Accordingly, our unamortized debt discount as of January 1, 2021 was reduced by $389 million, increasing the liability and decreasing the effective interest rate on the Convertible Notes from approximately 20% at December 31, 2020 to approximately 7% at December 31, 2021. We recognized $70 million of interest expense in 2021 including $5 million of non-cash amortization of the debt discount and $65 million of contractual coupon interest. As of December 31, 2021, our unamortized debt discount on the Convertible Notes was $22 million.
At December 31, 2021, the if-converted value of the Convertible Notes exceeded the principal amount by $114 million. The last reported sale price per share of our common stock (as defined in the Convertible Notes Indenture) did not exceed 130% of the conversion price of the Convertible Notes for at least 20 of the 30 consecutive trading days ending on December 31, 2021. Accordingly, pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Notes Indenture, the holders of the Convertible Notes cannot convert at their option at any time during the quarter ending March 31, 2022. Each $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes is convertible at a rate of 61.7284 shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Convertible Notes Indenture. We may settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election.
(i) Unsecured Senior Notes
5.000% Senior Notes
In May 2019, AAG issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% senior notes due 2022 (the 5.000% Senior Notes). The 5.000% Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.000% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, which began on December 1, 2019. The 5.000% Senior Notes mature in June 2022.
3.75% Senior Notes
In February 2020, AAG issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% senior notes due 2025 (the 3.75% Senior Notes). The 3.75% Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.75% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears in March and September of each year, which began in September 2020. The 3.75% Senior Notes mature in March 2025.
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The details of our 5.50%5.000% and 4.625% senior notes3.75% Senior Notes are shown in the table below as of December 31, 2018:2021:
5.50% Senior Notes 4.625% Senior Notes5.000% Senior Notes3.75% Senior Notes
Aggregate principal issued and outstanding$750 million $500 millionAggregate principal issued and outstanding$750 million$500 million
Maturity dateOctober 2019 March 2020Maturity dateJune 2022March 2025
Fixed interest rate per annum5.50% 4.625%Fixed interest rate per annum5.000%3.75%
Interest paymentsSemi-annually in arrears in April and October Semi-annually in arrears in March and SeptemberInterest paymentsSemi-annually in arrears in June and DecemberSemi-annually in arrears in March and September
The 5.50%5.000% and 4.625% senior notes3.75% Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of AAG. The senior notesThese Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by American. The indentures for the senior notesthese Senior Notes contain covenants and events of default generally customary for similar financings. In addition, if we experience specific kinds of changes of control, we must offer to repurchase the senior notesthese Senior Notes in whole or in part at a price of 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to (but not including) the repurchase date. Upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the senior notesthese Senior Notes may be accelerated and become due and payable.
Guarantees
As of December 31, 2018,2021, AAG had issued guarantees covering approximately $769 million of American’s special facility revenue bonds (and interest thereon) and $8.4$19.8 billion of American’s secured debt (and interest thereon), including the Credit Facilities, andthe AAdvantage Financing, certain EETC financings.financings and $1.1 billion of American’s special facility revenue bonds (and interest thereon).
Collateral-RelatedCertain Covenants
Certain of our debt financing agreements (including our secured notes, term loans, revolving credit facilities and spare engine EETCs) contain loan to value (LTV), collateral coverage or peak debt service coverage ratio covenants and certain agreements require us to annually appraise the related collateral.collateral annually or semiannually. Pursuant to such agreements, if the applicable LTV, collateral coverage or peak debt service coverage ratio exceeds or falls below a specified threshold, as the case may be, we arewill be required, as applicable, to pledge additional qualifying collateral (which in some cases may include cash collateral)or investment securities), withhold additional cash in certain accounts, or to pay down such financing, in whole or in part.part, or the interest rate for the relevant financing will be increased. Additionally, a significant portion of our debt financing agreements contain covenants requiring us to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities, and our AAdvantage Financing contains a peak debt service coverage ratio, pursuant to which failure to comply with a certain threshold may result in early repayment, in whole or in part, of the AAdvantage Financing.
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Specifically, we are required to meet certain collateral coverage tests on an annual basis for our Credit Facilities, 10.75% Senior Secured Notes and 11.75% Senior Secured Notes, as described below:
2013 Credit Facilities 2014 Credit Facilities 
April 2016
Credit Facilities
 
December 2016
Credit Facilities
2013 Credit 
Facilities
2014 Credit 
Facilities
April 2016
Credit Facilities
December 2016
Credit Facilities
10.75% Senior Secured Notes11.75% Senior Secured Notes
Frequency of Appraisals
of Appraised Collateral
Annual Annual Annual AnnualFrequency of Appraisals of Appraised CollateralAnnualAnnualAnnualAnnualAnnualSemi-Annual
LTV Requirement1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV) 1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV) 1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV) 1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV)LTV Requirement1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV)
LTV as of Last Measurement Date34.8% 18.8% 40.9% 57.5%LTV as of Last Measurement Date38.4%18.0%Not Applicable53.5%53.5%33.5%
Collateral DescriptionGenerally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate all services between the U.S. and South America Generally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and European Union (including London Heathrow) Generally, certain spare parts Generally, certain Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) slots, certain La Guardia Airport (LGA) slots, certain simulators and certain leasehold rightsCollateral DescriptionGenerally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate all services between the U.S. and South AmericaGenerally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and European Union (including London Heathrow)Generally, certain spare partsGenerally, certain Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) slots, certain LaGuardia Airport (LGA) slots, certain simulators and certain leasehold rightsGenerally, certain DCA slots, certain LGA slots, certain simulators and certain leasehold rights and, in the case of the IP Notes, certain intellectual property of AmericanGenerally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and the Caribbean, Central America and various other countries
At December 31, 2018,2021, we were in compliance with the applicable collateral coverage tests as of the most recent measurement dates.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

6.5. Leases
We lease certain aircraft and engines, including aircraft under capacity purchase agreements. As of December 31, 2018,2021, we had 660operated 696 leased aircraft, with remaining terms ranging from less than one year to 12 years.
At each airport where we conduct flight operations, we have agreements, generally with a governmental unit or authority, for the use of passenger, operations and baggage handling space as well as runways and taxiways. These agreements, particularly in the U.S., often contain provisions for periodic adjustments to rates and charges applicable under such agreements. These rates and charges also vary with our level of operations and the operations of the airport. Because of the variable nature of these rates, these leases are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as a ROU asset or a lease liability. Additionally, at our hub locations and in certain other cities we serve, we lease administrative offices, catering, cargo, training, maintenance and other facilities.
The components of lease expense were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended
December 31, 2018
202120202019
Operating lease cost$1,907
Operating lease cost$2,012 $1,957 $2,027 
Finance lease cost: Finance lease cost:
Amortization of assets78
Amortization of assets107 92 79 
Interest on lease liabilities48
Interest on lease liabilities44 38 43 
Variable lease cost2,353
Variable lease cost2,471 1,801 2,558 
Total net lease cost$4,386
Total net lease cost$4,634 $3,888 $4,707 
Included in the table above is $226$190 million, $172 million and $236 million of operating lease cost under our capacity purchase agreement with Republic.Republic for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We hold a 25% equity interest in Republic Holdings, the parent company of Republic.

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Additionally, not included in the table above, we recognized $109 million in cash special charges in 2020 related to the impairment of ROU assets and lease return costs resulting from our decision to retire certain leased aircraft earlier than planned driven by the severe decline in air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in millions, except lease term and discount rate):
December 31,
December 31, 201820212020
Operating leases: Operating leases:
Operating lease ROU assets$9,151
Operating lease ROU assets$7,850 $8,039 
 
Current operating lease liabilities$1,654
Current operating lease liabilities$1,507 $1,651 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities7,902
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities6,610 6,777 
Total operating lease liabilities$9,556
Total operating lease liabilities$8,117 $8,428 
 
Finance leases: Finance leases:
Property and equipment, at cost$936
Property and equipment, at cost$1,201 $1,021 
Accumulated amortization(391)Accumulated amortization(653)(539)
Property and equipment, net$545
Property and equipment, net$548 $482 
 
Current obligations of finance leases$81
Finance leases, net of current obligations613
Current finance lease liabilitiesCurrent finance lease liabilities$174 $100 
Noncurrent finance lease liabilitiesNoncurrent finance lease liabilities563 472 
Total finance lease liabilities$694
Total finance lease liabilities$737 $572 
 
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases7.6
Operating leases7.67.4
Finance leases7.4
Finance leases4.65.4
 
Weighted average discount rate: Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases4.6%Operating leases6.3 %5.6 %
Finance leases6.5%Finance leases6.1 %6.3 %
Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases was as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended
December 31, 2018
202120202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$1,931
Operating cash flows from operating leases$2,053 $2,028 $2,013 
Operating cash flows from finance leases48
Operating cash flows from finance leases37 39 43 
Financing cash flows from finance leases78
Financing cash flows from finance leases126 114 83 
 
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: 
Operating leases1,292
Non-cash transactions:Non-cash transactions:
ROU assets acquired through operating leasesROU assets acquired through operating leases1,386 917 1,145 
Property and equipment acquired through finance leasesProperty and equipment acquired through finance leases180 11 20 
Operating lease conversion to finance leaseOperating lease conversion to finance lease102 41 
 
Gain on sale leaseback transactions, net59
Gain on sale leaseback transactions, net25 107 107 

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Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2018Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Operating Leases Finance Leases
2019$1,912
 $124
20201,838
 120
20211,636
 118
20221,438
 122
2022$1,929 $215 
20231,255
 105
20231,791 183 
2024 and thereafter3,620
 282
202420241,410 180 
202520251,039 113 
20262026762 87 
2027 and thereafter2027 and thereafter3,614 77 
Total lease payments11,699
 871
Total lease payments10,545 855 
Less: Imputed interest(2,143) (177)Less: Imputed interest(2,428)(118)
Total lease obligations9,556
 694
Total lease obligations8,117 737 
Less: Current obligations(1,654) (81)Less: Current obligations(1,507)(174)
Long-term lease obligations$7,902
 $613
Long-term lease obligations$6,610 $563 
As of December 31, 2018,2021, we havehad additional operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced of approximately $1.9$1.8 billion for 22 787-818 Boeing 787 Family aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2020 and 20212022 through 2024 with lease terms of 10 years.
Disclosures related to periods prior to adoption of the New Lease Standard
Operating lease rent expense, excluding landing fees, was approximately $3.2 billion in each of 2017 and 2016, which includes the lease of certain aircraft under capacity purchase agreements. As of December 31, 2017, future minimum lease payment obligations under noncancellable operating leases, including payments for the lease of certain aircraft under capacity purchase agreements, as well as payments under capital lease obligations were as follows (in millions):
 December 31, 2017
 Operating Leases Capital Leases
2018$2,572
 $126
20192,329
 123
20202,104
 120
20211,621
 118
20221,398
 122
2023 and thereafter3,965
 387
Total lease payments$13,989
 996
Less: Imputed interest  (225)
Total lease obligations  771
Less: Current obligations  (78)
Long-term lease obligations  $693


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

7.6. Income Taxes
The significant components of the income tax provision (benefit) were (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Current income tax provision:
State and Local$— $— $
Foreign— — 
Current income tax provision— — 10 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit):
Federal(508)(2,335)498 
State and Local(47)(233)62 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)(555)(2,568)560 
Total income tax provision (benefit)$(555)$(2,568)$570 
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Current income tax provision:     
State and Local$3
 $10
 $3
Foreign29
 14
 9
Current income tax provision32
 24
 12
Deferred income tax provision:     
Federal390
 2,026
 1,456
State and Local50
 63
 100
Deferred income tax provision440
 2,089
 1,556
Total income tax provision$472
 $2,113
 $1,568
The income tax provision (benefit) differed from amounts computed at the statutory federal income tax rate as follows (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Statutory income tax provision (benefit)$(535)$(2,405)$474 
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal tax effect(37)(183)47 
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes23 22 31 
Foreign income taxes, net of federal tax effect— — 
Change in valuation allowance— — 
Other, net(6)(2)
Income tax provision (benefit)$(555)$(2,568)$570 
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 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Statutory income tax provision$396
 $1,188
 $1,453
State income tax provision, net of federal tax effect44
 59
 56
Foreign income taxes, net of federal tax effect23
 7
 6
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes12
 33
 35
Bankruptcy administration expenses
 1
 1
2017 Tax Act
 823
 
Change in valuation allowance(6) (3) 7
Other, net3
 5
 10
Income tax provision$472
 $2,113
 $1,568
The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were (in millions):
 December 31,
 20212020
Deferred tax assets:
Operating loss and other carryforwards$4,612 $4,027 
Loyalty program liability1,903 1,977 
Leases1,833 1,913 
Pensions941 1,405 
Postretirement benefits other than pensions214 203 
Rent expense92 96 
Reorganization items24 28 
Other760 847 
Total deferred tax assets10,379 10,496 
Valuation allowance(34)(34)
Net deferred tax assets10,345 10,462 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation and amortization(4,747)(5,028)
Leases(1,767)(1,818)
Other(284)(386)
Total deferred tax liabilities(6,798)(7,232)
Net deferred tax asset$3,547 $3,230 
At December 31, 2021, we had approximately $17.2 billion of gross federal net operating losses (NOLs) and $3.0 billion of other carryforwards available to reduce future federal taxable income, of which $6.9 billion will expire beginning in 2024 if unused and $13.3 billion can be carried forward indefinitely. We also had approximately $6.0 billion of NOL carryforwards to reduce future state taxable income at December 31, 2021, which will expire in taxable years 2021 through 2041 if unused.
Our ability to use our NOLs and other carryforwards depends on the amount of taxable income generated in future periods. We provide a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets, which include our net operating losses (NOLs),NOLs, when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of our deferred tax assets, will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. We consider all available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions in evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Many factors are considered that impact our assessment of future profitability, including conditions which are beyond our control, such as the health of the economy, the levelavailability and price volatility of aircraft fuel prices and travel demand.
The total decrease to the We presently have a $34 million valuation allowance was $6 million in 2018. In 2017, the total increase to the valuation allowance was $7 million, $10 million of which is included in the 2017 Tax Act amount in the table above. In 2016, the total increase to the valuation allowance was $7 million.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

The components of ouron certain net deferred tax assets and liabilities were (in millions):related to state NOL carryforwards. There can be no assurance that an additional valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets will not be required. Such valuation allowance could be material.
 December 31,
 2018 2017
Deferred tax assets:   
Operating loss carryforwards$2,343
 $2,281
Leases2,189
 107
Pensions1,430
 1,559
Loyalty program liability1,770
 1,809
Alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit carryforwards175
 344
Postretirement benefits other than pensions145
 170
Rent expense136
 160
Reorganization items33
 35
Other631
 678
Total deferred tax assets8,852
 7,143
Valuation allowance(30) (36)
Net deferred tax assets8,822
 7,107
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Accelerated depreciation and amortization(5,280) (5,045)
Leases(2,081) 
Other(326) (279)
Total deferred tax liabilities(7,687) (5,324)
Net deferred tax asset$1,135
 $1,783
At December 31, 2018, we had approximately $10.2 billion of federal NOLs carried over from prior taxable years (NOL Carryforwards) to reduce future federal taxable income, substantially all of which we expect to be available for use in 2019. The federal NOL Carryforwards will expire beginning in 2022 if unused. We also had approximately $3.2 billion of NOL Carryforwards to reduce future state taxable income at December 31, 2018, which will expire in years 2019 through 2038 if unused. Our ability to deduct our NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards and to utilize certain other available tax attributes can be substantially constrained under the general annual limitation rules of Section 382 where an “ownership change” has occurred. Substantially all of our remaining federal NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards attributable to US Airways Group are subject to limitation under Section 382; however, our ability to utilize such NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards is not anticipated to be effectively constrained as a result of such limitation. We elected to be covered by certain special rules for federal income tax purposes that permitted approximately $9.0 billion (with $8.4 billion of unlimited NOL still remaining at December 31, 2018) of our federal NOL Carryforwards to be utilized without regard to the annual limitation generally imposed by Section 382. Similar limitations may apply for state income tax purposes. Our ability to utilize any new NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards arising after the ownership changes is not affected by the annual limitation rules imposed by Section 382 unless another future ownership change occurs. Under the Section 382 limitation, cumulative stock ownership changes among material stockholders exceeding 50% during a rolling three-year period can potentially limit a company’sour future use of NOLs and tax credits. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “Our ability to utilize our NOL Carryforwards may be limited” for unaudited additional discussion of this risk.
At December 31, 2018, we had an AMT credit carryforward of approximately $339 million available for federal income tax purposes, which is now expected to be fully refundable over the next several years as a result of the repeal of corporate AMT.
In 2018,2021, we recorded an income tax provisionbenefit of $472$555 million, with an effective rate of approximately 25%22%, which was substantially non-cash. The 2018 income tax provision included an $18 million special income tax charge related to an international income tax matter. Substantially all of our incomeloss before income taxes is attributable to the United States.
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We file our tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Our 20152018 through 20172020 tax years are still subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Various state and foreign jurisdiction tax years remain open to examination and we are under examination, in administrative appeals, or engaged in tax litigation in certain jurisdictions. We believe that the effect of any assessments will not be material to our consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

The amount of, and changes to, our uncertain tax positions were not material in any of the years presented. We accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and operating expense, respectively.
The 2017 Tax Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act is the most comprehensive tax change in more than 30 years. We have completed our evaluation of the 2017 Tax Act and we have reflected the impact of its effects, including the impact of lower corporate income tax rates (21% vs. 35%) on our deferred tax assets and liabilities and the one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized a special income tax provision of $823 million to reflect these impacts of the 2017 Tax Act.
8.7. Risk Management
Our economic prospects are heavily dependent upon two variables we cannot control: the health of the economygeneral economic conditions and the price of fuel.
Due to the discretionary nature of business and leisure travel spending and the highly competitive nature of the airline industry, our revenues are heavily influenced by the condition of the U.S. economy and economies in other regions of the world. Unfavorable conditions in these broader economies have resulted, and may result in the future, in decreased passenger demand for air travel, changes in booking practices and related reactions by our competitors, all of which in turn have had, and may have in the future, a strong negative effect on our business. In particular, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated decline in economic activity and increase in unemployment levels have had and are expected to continue to have a severe and prolonged effect on the global economy generally and, in turn, is expected to depress demand for air travel into the foreseeable future. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the duration and severity of this pandemic, we can provide no assurance as to when and at what pace demand for air travel will return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, if at all. Accordingly, we cannot predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, during challenging economic times, actions by our competitors to increase their revenues can have an adverse impact on our revenues.
Our operating results are materially impacted by changes in the availability, price volatility and cost of aircraft fuel, which represents one of the largest single cost items in our business. MarketAircraft fuel prices for jet fuel have fluctuated substantially overin the past, several years and prices continue to be highly volatile.may in the future, experience substantial volatility. Because of the amount of fuel needed to operate our business, even a relatively small increase or decrease in the price of aircraft fuel can have a material effect on our operating results and liquidity.
These additional factors could impact our results of operations, financial performance and liquidity:
(a) Credit Risk
Most ofOur accounts receivable relate primarily to our receivables relatecontracts with airline and non-airline business partners, including our co-branded credit card partners, and to tickets sold to individual passengers primarily through the use of major credit cards or to tickets sold by other airlines and used by passengers on American. These receivablescards. Receivables from our business partners are typically settled within 30 days. Receivables from ticket sales are short-term, mostly settled within seven days after sale. Bad debtAll accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for credit losses, which have been minimal inminimal. We consider past and future financial and qualitative factors when establishing the past, have been considered in establishing allowancesallowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses. We do not believe we are subject to any significant concentration of credit risk.
(b) Interest Rate Risk
We have exposure to market risk associated with changes in interest rates related primarily to our variable rateLIBOR variable-rate debt obligations. Interest rates on $9.9$10.9 billion principal amount of long-term debt as of December 31, 20182021 are subject to adjustment to reflect changes in floating interest rates. The weighted average effective interest rate on our variable ratevariable-rate debt was 4.3%3.0% at December 31, 2018.2021. We currently do not currently have an interest rate hedge program.program to hedge our exposure to floating interest rates on our variable-rate debt obligations.
On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The discontinuation date for submission and publication of rates for certain tenors of USD LIBOR (1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month) was subsequently extended by the ICE Benchmark Administration (the administrator of LIBOR) until June 30, 2023. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2023. Similarly, it is not possible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR, or what effect these changes in views or alternatives may have on financial markets for LIBOR-linked financial instruments. The replacement of LIBOR with a comparable or successor rate could cause the amount of interest payable on our long-term debt to be different or higher than expected.
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(c) Foreign Currency Risk
We are exposed to the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency-denominated operating revenues and expenses.transactions. Our largest exposure comes from the British pound sterling, Euro, Chinese yuan, Canadian dollar and various Latin American currencies, primarily the Brazilian real. We do not currently have a foreign currency hedge program. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “We operate a global business with international operations that are subject to economic and politicalinstability and have been, and in the future may continue to be, adversely affected by numerous events, circumstances or government actions beyond our control” for unaudited additional discussion of this risk.
9.8. Fair Value Measurements and Other Investments
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. an exit price) on the measurement date in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Accounting standards include disclosure requirements around fair values used for certain financial instruments and establish a fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy prioritizes valuation inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of three levels:


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2 – Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of our financial assets. If quoted market prices are not available, we measure fair value using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, such as interest rates and currency rates.
We utilize the market approach to measure the fair value forof our financial assets. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets. Our short-term investments, restricted cash and restricted short-term investments classified as Level 2 primarily utilize broker quotes in a non-active market for valuation of these securities. No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the year ended December 31, 2018.2021.
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in millions):
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2018 Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    
Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3    
Short-term investments (1) (2):
       
Short-term investments (1), (2):
Short-term investments (1), (2):
Money market funds$16
 $16
 $
 $
Money market funds$108 $108 $— $— 
Corporate obligations1,658
 
 1,658
 
Corporate obligations8,665 — 8,665 — 
Bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits2,436
 
 2,436
 
Bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits2,195 — 2,195 — 
Repurchase agreements375
 
 375
 
Repurchase agreements1,190 — 1,190 — 
4,485
 16
 4,469
 
12,158 108 12,050 — 
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1)
154
 12
 142
 
Long-term investments (3)
189
 189
 
 
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1), (3)
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1), (3)
990 654 336 — 
Long-term investments (4)
Long-term investments (4)
239 239 — — 
Total$4,828
 $217
 $4,611
 $
Total$13,387 $1,001 $12,386 $— 
134
(1)
Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at each measurement date.
(2)
All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Our short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $877 million of bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits and $101 million of corporate obligations.
(3)
Long-term investments primarily include our equity investment in China Southern Airlines, in which we presently own a 2.2% equity interest, and are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.


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 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
 Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3    
Short-term investments (1) (2):
       
Money market funds$188
 $188
 $
 $
Corporate obligations1,620
 
 1,620
 
Bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits2,663
 
 2,663
 
Repurchase agreements300
 
 300
 
 4,771
 188
 4,583
 
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1)
318
 108
 210
 
Total$5,089
 $296
 $4,793
 $
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020
 Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    
Short-term investments (1):
Money market funds$247 $247 $— $— 
Corporate obligations3,449 — 3,449 — 
Bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits2,168 — 2,168 — 
Repurchase agreements755 — 755 — 
6,619 247 6,372 — 
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1), (3)
609 448 161 — 
Long-term investments (4)
161 161 — — 
Total$7,389 $856 $6,533 $— 
(1)
(1)All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at each reporting period. There were no credit losses.
(2)Our short-term investments as of December 31, 2021 mature in one year or less.
(3)Restricted cash and short-term investments primarily include collateral held to support workers' compensation obligations and money market funds to be used to finance a substantial portion of the cost of the renovation and expansion of the Terminal at JFK, and as of December 31, 2021, also include collateral associated with the payment of interest for the AAdvantage Financing.
(4)Long-term investments primarily include our equity investment in China Southern Airlines and as of December 31, 2021, our long-term investments also include Vertical. These investments are reflected in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Other Investments” below for further information on our equity investments.
Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at each measurement date.
(2)
All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Our short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $700 million of bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits and $341 million of corporate obligations.
Fair Value of Debt
The fair value of our long-term debt was estimated using quoted market prices or discounted cash flow analyses based on our current estimated incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. If our long-term debt was measured at fair value, it would have been classified as Level 2 except for $3.7 billion and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which would have been classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Convertible Notes, which would have been classified as Level 2, was $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
The carrying value and estimated fair value of our long-term debt, including current maturities, were as follows (in millions):
 December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Long-term debt, including current maturities$37,323 $38,567 $32,021 $30,454 
Other Investments
An important part of our strategy to expand our network has been to initiate or expand our commercial relationships with other airlines, such as by entering into global alliance, joint business and codeshare relationships, and, in certain instances, by making an equity investment in another airline or other companies.
Republic Holdings
We have an approximate 25% ownership interest in Republic Holdings, which we received in 2017 in consideration for our unsecured claim in the Republic Holdings bankruptcy case. This ownership interest is accounted for under the equity method and our portion of Republic Holdings’ financial results is recognized within nonoperating other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations and the investment is reflected within other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
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 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Long-term debt, including current maturities$23,779
 $23,775
 $24,294
 $24,985
China Southern
In the third quarter of 2017, we acquired 2.7% of the outstanding shares of China Southern for $203 million. At December 31, 2021, we owned a 1.8% equity interest in China Southern. This ownership interest is accounted for at fair value based on China Southern’s stock price and mark-to-market adjustments are recorded to nonoperating other income, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
10.Vertical
In the fourth quarter of 2021, we invested $25 million to acquire 5.4%, or 11.25 million, of the outstanding shares of Vertical with an initial aggregate value of $113 million, of which $88 million was non-cash. In connection with this investment, we entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vertical to pre-order (subject to certain conditions and future agreed upon milestones) up to 250 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with an option to order an additional 100 eVTOL aircraft. Pursuant to the MOU, we received warrants to purchase 1.75 million shares of Vertical common stock at $0.0001 per share, each time we place a legally binding commitment for 50 eVTOL aircraft, up to a maximum aggregate amount of 8.75 million shares. Our investment in Vertical is reflected within other assets on our consolidated balance sheet. The $88 million non-cash portion of the fair value of equity securities received from Vertical is included as a deferred credit within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and will be recognized as a reduction to the cost of eVTOL aircraft received in future periods or, if no legally binding commitment for eVTOL aircraft is entered into, will be recognized into income. Our investment in Vertical is accounted for at fair value based on Vertical’s stock price and mark-to-market adjustments are recorded to nonoperating other income, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
9. Employee Benefit Plans
We sponsor defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans for eligible employees. The defined benefit pension plans provide benefits for participating employees based on years of service and average compensation for a specified period of time before retirement. Effective November 1, 2012, substantially all of our defined benefit pension plans were frozen and we began providing enhanced benefits under our defined contribution pension plans for certain employee groups. We use a December 31 measurement date for all of our defined benefit pension plans. We also provide certain retiree medical and other postretirement benefits, including health care and life insurance benefits, to retired employees. Effective November 1, 2012, we modified our retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans to eliminate the company subsidy for employees who retire on or after November 1, 2012. As a result of modifications to our retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans in 2012, we recognized a negative plan amendment of $1.9 billion, which iswas included as a component of prior service benefit in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) and will bewas amortized over the future service life of the active plan participants for whom the benefit was eliminated,eliminated. This prior service benefit was fully amortized as of December 31, 2020.
Effective January 1, 2021, health coverage under our retiree medical benefit program that is currently provided to certain retirees age 65 and over who retired prior to November 1, 2012, transitioned from a self-insured plan to a fully-insured Medicare Advantage plan. Benefits coverage has not been reduced and cost shared has not changed as a result of this transition. Due to this transition, as of December 31, 2020, we recognized a negative plan amendment of $313 million to reduce our benefit obligation, which was included as a component of prior service cost in AOCI and will be amortized over the average remaining life expectancy of all retirees, or approximately eight13 years. As of December 31, 2018, $3902021, $195 million of prior service benefitcost remains to be amortized.

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Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations, fair value of plan assets and a statement of funded status as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017:2020:
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2021202020212020
 (In millions)
Benefit obligation at beginning of period$19,812 $18,358 $1,046 $824 
Service cost12 
Interest cost526 615 30 30 
Actuarial (gain) loss (1), (2)
(609)1,613 (57)46 
Special termination benefits (3)
— — 139 410 
Plan amendments (4)
— — — (195)
Settlements(1)(36)— — 
Benefit payments(822)(740)(72)(77)
Benefit obligation at end of period$18,910 $19,812 $1,098 $1,046 
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In millions)
Benefit obligation at beginning of period$18,275
 $17,238
 $1,011
 $991
Service cost3
 2
 5
 4
Interest cost674
 721
 35
 39
Actuarial (gain) loss (1) (2)
(1,910) 1,016
 (133) 49
Settlements(4) (4) 
 
Benefit payments(662) (726) (81) (80)
Other2
 28
 
 8
Benefit obligation at end of period$16,378
 $18,275
 $837
 $1,011
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period$11,395
 $10,017
 $295
 $266
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period$13,557 $12,897 $170 $204 
Actual return on plan assets(1,151) 1,797
 (24) 37
Actual return on plan assets1,710 1,427 21 13 
Employer contributions (3)
475
 286
 35
 72
Employer contributions (5)
Employer contributions (5)
247 48 30 
Settlements(4) (4) 
 
Settlements(1)(36)— — 
Benefit payments(662) (726) (81) (80)Benefit payments(822)(740)(72)(77)
Other
 25
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of period$10,053
 $11,395
 $225
 $295
Fair value of plan assets at end of period$14,691 $13,557 $167 $170 
Funded status at end of period$(6,325) $(6,880) $(612) $(716)Funded status at end of period$(4,219)$(6,255)$(931)$(876)
(1)The 2021 and 2020 pension actuarial (gain) loss primarily relates to the change in our weighted average discount rate assumption.
(1)
(2)The 2021 and 2020 retiree medical and other postretirement benefits actuarial (gain) loss primarily relates to the change in our weighted average discount rate assumption and, in 2021, plan experience adjustments.
(3)During the first quarter of 2021 and the third quarter of 2020, we remeasured our retiree medical and other postretirement benefits to account for enhanced healthcare benefits provided to eligible team members who opted into voluntary early retirement programs offered as a result of reductions to our operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, during 2021, we recognized a $139 million special charge for these enhanced healthcare benefits and increased our postretirement benefits obligation by $139 million, and during 2020, we recognized a $410 million special charge for these enhanced healthcare benefits and increased our postretirement benefits obligation by $410 million.
(4)Principally relates to the transition of our retiree medical benefit program from a self-insured plan to a fully-insured Medicare Advantage plan as discussed above.
(5)In January 2021, we made $241 million in contributions to our pension plans, including a contribution of $130 million for the 2020 calendar year that was permitted to be deferred to January 4, 2021 as provided under the CARES Act.
The December 31, 2018 and 2017 pension actuarial (gain) loss primarily relates to changes in our weighted average discount rate and mortality assumptions and, in 2018, changes to our retirement rate assumptions.
(2)
The December 31, 2018 and 2017 retiree medical and other postretirement benefits actuarial (gain) loss primarily relates to weighted average discount rate assumption changes and, in 2018, changes to our medical trend and per capita claim assumptions.
(3)
During 2018, we contributed $475 million to our defined benefit pension plans, including supplemental contributions of $433 million in addition to a $42 million minimum required contribution. During 2017, we contributed $286 million to our defined benefit pension plans, including supplemental contributions of $261 million in addition to a $25 million minimum required contribution.

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Balance Sheet Position
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2021202020212020
 (In millions)
As of December 31,
Current liability$$$90 $55 
Noncurrent liability4,212 6,248 841 821 
Total liabilities$4,219 $6,255 $931 $876 
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In millions)
As of December 31,       
Current liability$7
 $10
 $23
 $89
Noncurrent liability6,318
 6,870
 589
 627
Total liabilities$6,325
 $6,880
 $612
 $716
Net actuarial loss (gain)$5,252 $6,700 $(396)$(358)
Prior service cost (benefit)47 75 (167)(181)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), pre-tax$5,299 $6,775 $(563)$(539)
Plans with Projected Benefit Obligations Exceeding Fair Value of Plan Assets
Net actuarial loss (gain)$5,356
 $5,351
 $(452) $(388)
Prior service cost (benefit)131
 160
 (362) (600)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), pre-tax$5,487
 $5,511
 $(814) $(988)
 Pension Benefits
 20212020
 (In millions)
Projected benefit obligation$18,910 $19,812 
Fair value of plan assets14,691 13,557 
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations Exceeding Fair Value of Plan Assets
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In millions)
Projected benefit obligation$16,351
 $18,245
 $
 $
Accumulated benefit obligation (ABO)16,341
 18,235
 
 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
 
 837
 1,011
Fair value of plan assets10,023
 11,364
 225
 295
ABO less fair value of plan assets6,318
 6,871
 
 
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2021202020212020
 (In millions)
Accumulated benefit obligation$18,899 $19,799 $— $— 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation— — 1,098 1,046 
Fair value of plan assets14,691 13,557 167 170 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
 (In millions)
Defined benefit plans:           
Service cost$3
 $2
 $2
 $5
 $4
 $3
Interest cost674
 721
 749
 35
 39
 47
Expected return on assets(905) (790) (750) (24) (21) (20)
Settlements
 1
 
 
 
 
Amortization of:           
Prior service cost (benefit)28
 28
 28
 (236) (237) (240)
Unrecognized net loss (gain)141
 144
 126
 (21) (23) (17)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)$(59) $106
 $155
 $(241) $(238) $(227)
The components of net periodic benefit income other than the service cost component are included in nonoperating other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations.
The estimated amount of unrecognized actuarial net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $181 million.
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 202120202019202120202019
 (In millions)
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost$$$$12 $$
Interest cost526 615 703 30 30 33 
Expected return on assets(1,084)(1,010)(815)(12)(11)(15)
Special termination benefits— — — 139 410 — 
Settlements— 12 — — — — 
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (benefit)28 30 28 (13)(135)(236)
Unrecognized net loss (gain)212 164 150 (24)(24)(31)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)$(314)$(187)$68 $132 $278 $(246)

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The estimated amountservice cost component of unrecognized actuarial net gain and prior service benefit for the retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost over(income) is included in operating expenses, the next fiscal yearcost for the special termination benefits is $269 million.included in special items, net and the other components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are included in nonoperating other income, net on our consolidated statements of operations.
Assumptions
The following actuarial assumptions were used to determine our benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost (income) for the periods presented:
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2021202020212020
Benefit obligations:
Weighted average discount rate3.0%2.7%2.8%2.4%
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Benefit obligations:       
Weighted average discount rate4.40% 3.80% 4.30% 3.60%
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Net periodic benefit cost:           
Weighted average discount rate3.80% 4.30% 4.70% 3.60% 4.10% 4.42%
Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00%
Weighted average health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (1)
N/A N/A N/A 3.91% 4.19% 4.25%
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 202120202019202120202019
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
Weighted average discount rate2.7%3.4%4.4%2.4%3.2%4.3%
Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets8.0%8.0%8.0%8.0%8.0%8.0%
Weighted average health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (1)
N/AN/AN/A4.8%4.0%3.7%
(1)
(1)The weighted average health care cost trend rate at December 31, 2021 is assumed to decline gradually to 3.9% by 2028 and remain level thereafter.
The weighted average health care cost trend rate at December 31, 2018 is assumed to decline gradually to 3.45% by 2026 and remain level thereafter.
As of December 31, 2018,2021, our estimate of the long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8%8.0% based on the target asset allocation. Expected returns on long duration bonds are based on yields to maturity of the bonds held at year-end. Expected returns on other assets are based on a combination of long-term historical returns, actual returns on plan assets achieved over the last ten years, current and expected market conditions, and expected value to be generated through active management and securities lending programs.
A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on our retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans (in millions):
 1% Increase 1% Decrease
Increase (decrease) on 2018 service and interest cost$2
 $(2)
Increase (decrease) on benefit obligation as of December 31, 201847
 (43)
Minimum Contributions
We are required to make minimum contributions to our defined benefit pension plans under the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and various other laws for U.S. based plans as well as underfunding rules specific to countries where we maintain defined benefit plans. Based on currentOn March 11, 2021, the ARP was enacted, which included funding assumptions, we have minimum required contributions of $786 million for 2019 including contributions to defined benefit plans for our wholly-owned regional subsidiaries. We expect to make supplemental contributions of $21 million to our U.S. based definedrelief provisions benefiting single employer qualified retirement benefit pension plans in 2019.such as those sponsored by us. Based on the ARP provisions applicable to our pension plans, we will have no additional funding requirements until 2023. Our funding obligations will depend on the performance of our investments held in trust by the pension plans, interest rates for determining liabilities, the amount of and timing of any supplemental contributions and our actuarial experience.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid (approximately, in millions):
202220232024202520262027-2031
Pension benefits$864 $898 $933 $966 $994 $5,225 
Retiree medical and other postretirement benefits114 109 103 99 95 390 
139

 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024-2028
Pension benefits$720
 $758
 $797
 $836
 $876
 $4,917
Retiree medical and other postretirement benefits84
 75
 71
 66
 64
 280
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Plan Assets
The objectives of our investment policies are to: maintain sufficient income and liquidity to pay retirement benefits; produce a long-term rate of return that meets or exceeds the assumed rate of return for plan assets; limit the volatility of asset performance and funded status; and diversify assets among asset classes and investment managers.
Based on these investment objectives, a long-term strategic asset allocation has been established. This strategic allocation seeks to balance the potential benefit of improving the funded position with the potential risk that the funded position would decline. The current strategic target asset allocation is as follows:
Asset Class/Sub-ClassAllowed Range
Equity60%45% - 85%80%
Public:
U.S. Large20%10% - 50%40%
U.S. Small/Mid2% - 10%
International10% - 25%
International Small/Mid0% - 10%
InternationalEmerging Markets17%2% - 27%15%
Emerging MarketsAlternative Investments5% - 11%
Alternative Investments5% - 20%
Fixed Income15% - 40%
Public:
U.S. Long Duration15% - 30%
Fixed Income20% - 55%
Public:
U.S. Long Duration15% - 45%
High Yield and Emerging Markets0% - 10%
Private Income0% - 10%15%
Cash EquivalentsOther0% - 5%
Cash Equivalents0% - 20%
U.S. long duration bonds are used to partially hedge the assets from declines in interest rates. Public equity as well as high yield and emerging market fixed income securities are used to provide diversification and are expected to generate higher returns over the long-term than U.S. long duration bonds. Public stocks are managed using a value investment approach in order to participate in the returns generated by stocks in the long-term, while reducing year-over-year volatility. U.S. long duration bonds are used to partially hedge the assets from declines in interest rates. Alternative (private) investments are used to provide expected returns in excess of the public markets over the long-term. The pension plan’s master trust also participates in securities lending programs to generate additional income by loaning plan assets to borrowers on a fully collateralized basis. These programs are subject to market risk.
Investments in securities traded on recognized securities exchanges are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last bid price. The money market fund is valued at fair value which represents the net asset value of the shares of such fund as of the close of business at the end of the period. Investments in limited partnerships are carried at estimated net asset value as determined by and reported by the general partners of the partnerships and represent the proportionate share of the estimated fair value of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships. Common/collective trusts are valued at net asset value based on the fair values of the underlying investments of the trusts as determined by the sponsor of the trusts. The pension plan’s master trust also invests in a 103-12 investment entity (the 103-12 Investment Trust) which is designed to invest plan assets of more than one unrelated employer. The 103-12 Investment Trust is valued at net asset value which is determined by the issuer at the end of each month and is based on the aggregate fair value of trust assets less liabilities, divided by the number of units outstanding. No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the year.

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Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The fair value of our pension plan assets at December 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, by asset category, arewere as follows (in millions):
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2018
Asset Category
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Cash and cash equivalents$23
 $
 $
 $23
Equity securities:       
International markets (a) (b)
3,181
 
 
 3,181
Large-cap companies (b)
2,021
 
 
 2,021
Mid-cap companies (b)
583
 
 
 583
Small-cap companies (b)
122
 
 
 122
Mutual funds (c)
52
 
 
 52
Fixed income:       
Corporate debt (d)

 2,116
 
 2,116
Government securities (e)

 228
 
 228
U.S. municipal securities
 40
 
 40
Alternative instruments:       
Private market partnerships (f)

 
 7
 7
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (f) (h)

 
 
 1,188
Common/collective trusts (g)

 218
 
 218
Common/collective trusts and 103-12 Investment Trust measured at net asset value (g) (h)

 
 
 227
Insurance group annuity contracts
 
 2
 2
Dividend and interest receivable47
 
 
 47
Due to/from brokers for sale of securities – net5
 
 
 5
Other liabilities – net(7) 
 
 (7)
Total$6,027
 $2,602
 $9
 $10,053
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021
Asset CategoryQuoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Cash and cash equivalents$76 $— $— $76 
Equity securities:
International markets (a), (b)
2,166 — 2,170 
Large-cap companies (b)
1,860 — — 1,860 
Mid-cap companies (b)
449 — — 449 
Small-cap companies (b)
84 — 86 
Mutual funds/exchange traded funds (c)
263 — — 263 
Fixed income:
Corporate debt (d)
— 2,847 — 2,847 
Government securities (e)
— 1,128 — 1,128 
U.S. municipal securities— 19 — 19 
Alternative instruments:
Private market partnerships (f)
— — 52 52 
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (f), (g)
— — — 2,827 
Common/collective trusts (h)
— 337 — 337 
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (g), (h)
— — — 2,514 
Insurance group annuity contracts— — 
Other investments— — 
Dividend and interest receivable45 — — 45 
Due from brokers for sale of securities – net10 — — 10 
Other receivables – net— — 
Total$4,956 $4,336 $58 $14,691 
(a)
(a)Holdings are diversified as follows: 14% United Kingdom, 10% Ireland, 10% Japan, 9% Switzerland, 7% France, 6% Germany, 12% emerging markets and the remaining 32% with no concentration greater than 5% in any one country.
(b)There are no significant concentrations of holdings by company or industry.
(c)Investment includes holdings invested 70% in U.S. treasuries and corporate bonds, 17% in equity securities of international companies and 13% in equity securities of large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap U.S. companies.
(d)Includes approximately 81% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating lower than A and 19% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating A or higher. Holdings include 86% U.S. companies, 12% international companies and 2% emerging market companies.
(e)Includes approximately 94% investments in U.S. domestic government securities and 6% in emerging market government securities. There are no significant foreign currency risks within this classification.
(f)Includes limited partnerships that invest primarily in domestic private equity and private income opportunities. The pension plan’s master trust does not have the right to redeem its limited partnership investment at its net asset value, but rather receives distributions as the underlying assets are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be gradually liquidated over the next one to ten years. Additionally, the pension plan’s master trust has future funding commitments of approximately $1.6 billion over the next ten years.
Holdings are diversified as follows: 17% United Kingdom, 10% Japan, 8% France, 7% Switzerland, 6% Ireland, 17% emerging markets and the remaining 35% with no concentration greater than 5% in any one country.
(b)
There are no significant concentrations of holdings by company or industry.
(c)
Investment includes mutual funds invested 37% in equity securities of large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap U.S. companies, 38% in U.S. treasuries and corporate bonds and 25% in equity securities of international companies.
(d)
Includes approximately 77% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating lower than A and 23% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating A or higher. Holdings include 85% U.S. companies, 12% international companies and 3% emerging market companies.
(e)
Includes approximately 32% investments in U.S. domestic government securities, 37% in emerging market government securities and 31% in international government securities. There are no significant foreign currency risks within this classification.
(f)
Includes limited partnerships that invest primarily in U.S. (94%) and European (6%) buyout opportunities of a range of privately held companies. The pension plan’s master trust does not have the right to redeem its limited partnership investment at its net asset value, but rather receives distributions as the underlying assets are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be gradually liquidated over the next one to ten years. Additionally, the pension plan’s master trust has future funding commitments of approximately $1.0 billion over the next ten years.

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(g)Certain investments that are measured using net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient for fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
(h)Investment includes 31% in a common/collective trust investing in large market capitalization equity securities within the U.S., 29% in three common/collective trusts investing in emerging country equity securities, 22% in a common/collective trust investing in equity securities of companies located outside the U.S., 11% in a collective interest trust investing primarily in short-term securities, 6% in a common/collective trust investing in smaller market capitalization equity securities within the U.S. and 1% in Canadian segregated balanced value, income growth and diversified pooled funds. For some trusts, requests for withdrawals must meet specific requirements with advance notice of redemption preferred.
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020
Asset CategoryQuoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Cash and cash equivalents$40 $— $— $40 
Equity securities:
International markets (a), (b)
2,282 — — 2,282 
Large-cap companies (b)
2,085 — — 2,085 
Mid-cap companies (b)
428 — — 428 
Small-cap companies (b)
73 — 74 
Mutual funds (c)
80 — — 80 
Fixed income:
Corporate debt (d)
— 3,026 — 3,026 
Government securities (e)
— 1,010 — 1,010 
U.S. municipal securities— 30 — 30 
Alternative instruments:
Private market partnerships (f)
— — 15 15 
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (f), (g)
— — — 1,791 
Common/collective trusts (h)
— 259 — 259 
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (g), (h)
— — — 2,384 
Insurance group annuity contracts— — 
Dividend and interest receivable49 — — 49 
Due from brokers for sale of securities – net— — 
Other receivables – net— — 
Total$5,039 $4,326 $17 $13,557 
(g)
Investment includes 45% in an emerging market 103-12 Investment Trust with investments in emerging country equity securities, 37% in a collective interest trust investing primarily in short-term securities, 12% in Canadian segregated balanced value, income growth and diversified pooled funds and 6% in a common/collective trust investing in securities of smaller companies located outside the U.S., including developing markets. For some trusts, requests for withdrawals must meet specific requirements with advance notice of redemption preferred.
(h)
Certain investments that are measured using net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient for fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
Asset Category
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Cash and cash equivalents$28
 $
 $
 $28
Equity securities:       
International markets (a) (b)
3,837
 
 
 3,837
Large-cap companies (b)
2,451
 
 
 2,451
Mid-cap companies (b)
744
 
 
 744
Small-cap companies (b)
125
 
 
 125
Mutual funds (c)
55
 
 
 55
Fixed income:       
Corporate bonds (d)

 2,344
 
 2,344
Government securities (e)

 238
 
 238
U.S. municipal securities
 39
 
 39
Alternative instruments:       
Private market partnerships (f)

 
 14
 14
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (f) (h)

 
 
 879
Common/collective trusts (g)

 315
 
 315
Common/collective trusts and 103-12 Investment Trust measured at net asset value (g) (h)

 
 
 283
Insurance group annuity contracts
 
 2
 2
Dividend and interest receivable44
 
 
 44
Due to/from brokers for sale of securities – net3
 
 
 3
Other liabilities – net(6) 
 
 (6)
Total$7,281
 $2,936
 $16
 $11,395
(a)
(a)Holdings are diversified as follows: 11% Switzerland, 11% Ireland, 10% United Kingdom, 9% France, 8% Japan, 7% Germany, 6% Netherlands, 13% emerging markets and the remaining 25% with no concentration greater than 5% in any one country.
(b)There are no significant concentrations of holdings by company or industry.
(c)Investment includes mutual funds invested 39% in equity securities of large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap U.S. companies, 35% in U.S. treasuries and corporate bonds and 26% in equity securities of international companies.
(d)Includes approximately 77% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating lower than A and 23% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating A or higher. Holdings include 89% U.S. companies, 9% international companies and 2% emerging market companies.
Holdings are diversified as follows: 17% United Kingdom, 11% Japan, 9% France, 6% Switzerland, 16% emerging markets and the remaining 41% with no concentration greater than 5% in any one country.
(b)
There are no significant concentrations of holdings by company or industry.
(c)
Investment includes mutual funds invested 39% in equity securities of large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap U.S. companies, 34% in U.S. treasuries and corporate bonds and 27% in equity securities of international companies.
(d)
Includes approximately 76% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating lower than A and 24% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating A or higher. Holdings include 85% U.S. companies, 12% international companies and 3% emerging market companies.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

(e)Includes approximately 89% investments in U.S. domestic government securities, 9% in emerging market government securities and 2% in international government securities. There are no significant foreign currency risks within this classification.
(e)
Includes approximately 27% investments in U.S. domestic government securities, 43% in emerging market government securities and 30% in international government securities. There are no significant foreign currency risks within this classification.
(f)
Includes limited partnerships that invest primarily in U.S. (94%) and European (6%) buyout opportunities of a range of privately held companies. The pension plan’s master trust does not have the right to redeem its limited partnership investment at its net asset value, but rather receives distributions as the underlying assets are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be gradually liquidated over the next one to ten years. Additionally, the pension plan’s master trust has future funding commitments of approximately $903 million over the next ten years.
(g)
Investment includes 42% in a collective interest trust investing primarily in short-term securities, 40% in an emerging market 103-12 Investment Trust with investments in emerging country equity securities, 10% in Canadian segregated balanced value, income growth and diversified pooled funds and 8% in a common/collective trust investing in securities of smaller companies located outside the U.S., including developing markets. For some trusts, requests for withdrawals must meet specific requirements with advance notice of redemption preferred.
(h)
(f)Includes limited partnerships that invest primarily in domestic private equity and private income opportunities. The pension plan’s master trust does not have the right to redeem its limited partnership investment at its net asset value, but rather receives distributions as the underlying assets are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be gradually liquidated over the next one to ten years. Additionally, the pension plan’s master trust has future funding commitments of approximately $1.6 billion over the next ten years.
(g)Certain investments that are measured using net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient for fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Changes in fair value measurementshave not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of Level 3 investments during the year ended December 31, 2018, were as follows (in millions):fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 Private Market Partnerships 
Insurance Group
Annuity Contracts
Beginning balance at December 31, 2017$14
 $2
Actual loss on plan assets:   
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date(2) 
Purchases1
 
Sales(6) 
Ending balance at December 31, 2018$7
 $2
(h)Investment includes 34% in a common/collective trust investing in large market capitalization equity securities within the U.S., 30% in three common/collective trusts investing in emerging country equity securities, 21% in a common/collective trust investing in equity securities of companies located outside the U.S., 9% in a collective interest trust investing primarily in short-term securities, 5% in a common/collective trust investing in smaller market capitalization equity securities within the U.S. and 1% in Canadian segregated balanced value, income growth and diversified pooled funds. For some trusts, requests for withdrawals must meet specific requirements with advance notice of redemption preferred.
Changes in fair value measurements of Level 3 investments during the yearyears ended December 31, 2017,2021 and 2020, were as follows (in millions):
 
Private Market
Partnerships
 
Insurance Group
Annuity Contracts
Beginning balance at December 31, 2016$21
 $2
Actual loss on plan assets:   
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date(4) 
Purchases1
 
Sales(1) 
Transfers out(3) 
Ending balance at December 31, 2017$14
 $2


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

20212020
Balance at beginning of year$17 $12 
Actual gain on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date10 
Purchases32 
Sales(1)— 
Balance at end of year$58 $17 
The fair value of our retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plansplans’ assets at December 31, 2018 by asset category, were as follows (in millions):
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021
Asset CategoryQuoted Prices in
Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Money market fund$$— $— $
Mutual funds – AAL Class— 163 — 163 
Total$$163 $— $167 
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2018
Asset Category
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Money market fund$4
 $
 $
 $4
Mutual funds – AAL Class
 221
 
 221
Total$4
 $221
 $
 $225
The fair value of our retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans assets at December 31, 2017 by asset category, were as follows (in millions):
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020
Asset CategoryQuoted Prices in
Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Money market fund$$— $— $
Mutual funds – AAL Class— 166 — 166 
Total$$166 $— $170 
143

 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
Asset Category
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Money market fund$5
 $
 $
 $5
Mutual funds – AAL Class
 290
 
 290
Total$5
 $290
 $
 $295
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
Investments in the retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans’ mutual funds are valued by quoted prices on the active market, which is fair value, and represents the net asset value of the shares of such funds as of the close of business at the end of the period. The AAL Class mutual fund restricts trading only to American, resulting in a fair value classification of Level 2. Investments included approximately 30% of investments in non-U.S. common stocks in both 2018 and 2017. Net asset value is based on the fair market value of the funds’ underlying assets and liabilities at the date of determination. The AAL Class mutual funds are offered only to benefit plans of American, therefore, trading is restricted only to American, resulting in a fair value classification of Level 2. Investments included approximately 24% and 25% of investments in non-U.S. common stocks in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Defined Contribution and Multiemployer Plans
We contributed $877 million, $851 million and $766 million toThe costs associated with our defined contribution plans were $920 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $860 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
We participate in the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) National Pension Fund, Employer Identification No. 51-6031295 and Plan No. 002 (the IAM Pension Fund). Our contributions to the IAM Pension Fund were $43 million, $40 million and $32 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The IAM Pension Fund reported $494 million in employers’ contributions for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is the most recent year for which such information is available. For 2020, our contributions represented more than 5% of total contributions to the IAM Pension Fund.
On March 29, 2019, the actuary for the IAM Pension Fund certified that the fund was in “endangered” status despite reporting a funded status of over 80%. Additionally, the IAM Pension Fund’s Board voluntarily elected to enter into “critical” status on April 17, 2019. Upon entry into critical status, the IAM Pension Fund was required by law to adopt a rehabilitation plan aimed at restoring the financial health of the pension plan and did so on April 17, 2019 (the Rehabilitation Plan). Under the Rehabilitation Plan, we were subject to an immaterial contribution surcharge, which ceased to apply June 14, 2019 upon our mandatory adoption of a contribution schedule under the Rehabilitation Plan. The contribution schedule requires 2.5% annual increases to our contribution rate. This contribution schedule will remain in effect through the earlier of December 31, 2031 or the date the IAM Pension Fund emerges from critical status.
Profit Sharing Program
We accrue 5% of our pre-tax income excluding net special items for our profit sharing program. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we accrued $175 millionAs a result of our pre-tax loss excluding net special items, there will not be a payout for this program, which will be distributed to employees in the first quarter of 2019.

2021 under our profit sharing program.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

11.10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of AOCI are as follows (in millions):
 Pension,
Retiree
Medical and
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 Unrealized Loss on Investments 
Income Tax
Benefit
(Provision) 
(1)
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2016$(4,406) $
 $(677) $(5,083)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(30) (1) 15
 (16)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(87) 
 32
(2) 
(55)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(117) (1) 47
 (71)
Balance at December 31, 2017(4,523) (1) (630) (5,154)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(62) (4) 15
 (51)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(88) 
 19
(2) 
(69)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(150) (4) 34
 (120)
Balance at December 31, 2018$(4,673) $(5) $(596) $(5,274)
Pension,
Retiree
Medical and
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Unrealized Loss on Investments
Income Tax
Benefit
(Provision) 
(1)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019$(5,238)$(2)$(1,091)$(6,331)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(1,045)— 236 (809)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI47 — (10)(2)37 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(998)— 226 (772)
Balance at December 31, 2020(6,236)(2)(865)(7,103)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications1,297 — (293)1,004 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI203 — (46)(2)157 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)1,500 — (339)1,161 
Balance at December 31, 2021$(4,736)$(2)$(1,204)$(5,942)
(1)
(1)Relates principally to pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations that will not be recognized in net loss until the obligations are fully extinguished.
(2)Relates to pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations and is recognized within the income tax benefit on our consolidated statements of operations.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
Relates principally to pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations that will not be recognized in net income until the obligations are fully extinguished.
(2)
Relates to pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations and is recognized within the income tax provision on our consolidated statements of operations.
Reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 20182021 and 20172020 are as follows (in millions):
Amounts reclassified from AOCI Affected line items on the
consolidated statements of
operations
Amounts reclassified from AOCIAffected line items on the
consolidated statements of
operations
Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,
AOCI Components2018 2017 AOCI Components20212020
Amortization of pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits:    Amortization of pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits:
Prior service benefit$(161) $(132) Nonoperating other income, net
Prior service cost (benefit)Prior service cost (benefit)$11 $(81)Nonoperating other income, net
Actuarial loss92
 77
 Nonoperating other income, netActuarial loss146 118 Nonoperating other income, net
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax$(69) $(55) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax$157 $37 
Amounts allocated to other comprehensive income (OCI)(loss) for income taxes as further described in Note 7 will remain in AOCI until we cease all related activities, such as termination of the pension plan.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

12.11. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
(a) Aircraft, Engine and Other Purchase Commitments
Under all of our aircraft and engine purchase agreements, our total future commitments as of December 31, 20182021 are expected to be as follows (approximately, in millions):
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Payments for aircraft commitments and certain engines (1)
$2,906
 $1,683
 $994
 $1,378
 $1,450
 $6,047
 $14,458
202220232024202520262027 and ThereafterTotal
Payments for aircraft and
engine commitments (1)
$1,987 $1,851 $3,358 $3,535 $1,663 $688 $13,082 
(1)
(1)These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers. Our purchase deposits held by all manufacturers totaled $517 million and $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of delivery of certain aircraft, the amounts in the table represent our most current estimate; however, the actual delivery schedule may differ from the table above, potentially materially.
On January 31, 2022, we entered into an amended purchase agreement with The Boeing Company (Boeing) pursuant to which we agreed to purchase 23 additional Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft through the conversion of existing purchase options. We also intend to exercise purchase options for an additional 7 aircraft in 2022, bringing our total incremental firm order of Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft to 30, with 15 of such aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 15 scheduled to be delivered in 2024. In addition, we entered into an amended purchase agreement with Boeing to defer the delivery of certain Boeing 787 Family aircraft previously scheduled to be delivered beginning in January 2023. Pursuant to this amendment, deliveries of these aircraft are now scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will continue into 2027. The table above reflects our purchase commitments after giving effect to these amendments and assumes our exercise of the 7 737 MAX Family aircraft purchase options mentioned above.
Additionally, the amounts in the table exclude 10 and 3 Boeing 787-8 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and 4 and 1 Boeing 787-9 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 2024, respectively, for which we have obtained committed lease financing. See Note 5 for information regarding this operating lease commitment.
These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers and include all commitments for regional aircraft. We have granted a security interest in certain of our purchase deposits with Boeing. Our purchase deposits held by all manufacturers totaled $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2018.
Additionally, we have purchase commitments related to jetaircraft fuel, flight equipment maintenance, construction projects and information technology support as follows (approximately): $1.9$4.4 billion in 2019, $1.12022, $1.8 billion in 2020, $1.02023, $1.4 billion in 2021, $322024, $154 million in 2022 and $72025, $610 million in 2023.2026 and $942 million in 2027 and thereafter.
(b) Capacity Purchase Agreements with Third-Party Regional Carriers
American has capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers. The capacity purchase agreements provide that all revenues, including passenger, in-flight, ancillary, mail and freight revenues, go to American. American controls marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories. In return, American agrees to pay predetermined fees to these airlines for operating an agreed-upon number of aircraft, without regard to the number of passengers on board. In addition, these agreements provide that American either reimburses or pays 100% of certain variable costs, such as airport landing fees, fuel and passenger liability insurance. American controls marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American’s capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers had expiration dates ranging from 20192022 to 2027,2033, with rights of American to extend the respective terms of certain agreements. See Part I, Item 2. Properties for unaudited information on the aircraft operated by third-party regional carriers under such capacity purchase agreements.
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American’s minimum fixed obligations under its capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers are as follows (approximately, in millions):
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Minimum fixed obligations under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers (1)
$1,101
 $930
 $765
 $618
 $487
 $1,043
 $4,944
202220232024202520262027 and ThereafterTotal
Minimum obligations under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers (1)
$1,495 $1,834 $1,875 $1,729 $1,123 $2,317 $10,373 
(1)
(1)Represents minimum payments under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, which are estimates of costs based on assumed minimum levels of flying under the capacity purchase agreements and American’s actual payments could differ materially. Excludes payments for the lease of certain aircraft under capacity purchase agreements, which are reflected in the operating lease obligations in Note 5.
Represents minimum payments under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, which are estimates of costs based on assumed minimum levels of flying under the capacity purchase agreements and American’s actual payments could differ materially. Excludes payments for the lease of certain aircraft under capacity purchase agreements, which are reflected in the operating lease obligations in Note 6.
(c) Airport Redevelopment
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
From time to time, airports where we have operations engage in construction projects, often substantial, that result in new or improved facilities that are ultimately funded through increases in the rent and other occupancy costs payable by airlines using the airport. Unlike this construction and funding model, we are managing a project at LAX where we have legal title to the assets during construction. In 2018, we executed a lease agreement with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which owns and operates LAX, in connection with a $1.6 billion modernization project related to LAX Terminals 4 and 5. Construction, will occur in a phased approach, which started in October 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2028.2028, will occur in a phased approach. The modernization project will include a unified departure hall to combine the entranceway of Terminals 4 and 5, reconfigured ticket counter and check-in areas with seamless access to security screening areas, 1610 new security screening lanes with automated technology in addition to the existing Terminal 5 lanes, and a new Terminal 4 South concourse with more open and upgraded amenities at gate areas. The project will also include renovated break rooms, multi-use meeting rooms and team gathering spaces throughout the terminals to support our team members at LAX.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

We are managing this project and have legal title to the assets during their construction. As each phase is completed and ready for use, the assets will be sold and transferred to LAWA, including the site improvements and non-proprietary improvements. As we control the assets during construction, they are recognized on our balance sheet until legal title has transferred. For 2018,the assets are sold and transferred to LAWA. As of December 31, 2021, we have incurred approximately $7$338 million in costs relating to the LAX modernization project, of which are$112 million, $114 million and $98 million were incurred during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and have been included within operating property and equipment on our consolidated balance sheet assheets and included within airport construction projects, net of reimbursements on our consolidated statements of cash flows. As of December 31, 2018.2021, we have sold and transferred $132 million of non-proprietary improvements to LAWA, of which $21 million occurred during 2021. For non-proprietary improvements which are not yet ready for use, any cash payments received from LAWA will be reflected as a financial liability. As of December 31, 2021, we have received $88 million in cash proceeds for non-proprietary improvements which are not yet ready for use, and therefore have not been sold and transferred back to LAWA. These proceeds are currently included in other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet and are reflected as financing activities on our consolidated statement of cash flows.
JFK
In January 2020, American and British Airways announced the start of construction projects to upgrade New York's JFK Terminal 8 (the Terminal). The renovation projects at the Terminal include: (i) the reconfiguration or elimination of certain existing gates and the construction of widebody gates, (ii) the construction of approximately 51,000 square feet of new terminal building space and the refurbishment of 73,300 square feet of existing terminal space, (iii) the expansion of the baggage system capacity of the Terminal, (iv) improvements to the premium passenger lounges, check-in and, potentially, security access areas, and (v) bathroom refreshment, new signage, and other upgrades. The construction project is currently scheduled to be completed in 2023 and is estimated to cost $439 million. In 2021, $118 million was spent on construction projects to upgrade the Terminal and has been included in airport construction projects, net of reimbursements on our consolidated statement of cash flows.
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(d) Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
AircraftPass-Through Trusts
American currently operates 389has 344 owned aircraft, and 8811 leased aircraft and 60 owned spare aircraft engines, which in each case were financed with EETCs issued by pass-through trusts. These trusts are off-balance sheet entities, the primary purpose of which is to finance the acquisition of flight equipment or to permit issuance of debt backed by existing flight equipment. RatherIn the case of aircraft EETCs, rather than finance each aircraft separately when such aircraft is purchased, delivered or refinanced, these trusts allow American to raise the financing for a number of aircraft at one time and, if applicable, place such funds in escrow pending a future purchase, delivery or refinancing of the relevant aircraft. Similarly, in the case of the spare engine EETCs, the trusts allow American to use its existing pool of spare engines to raise financing under a single facility. The trusts werehave also been structured to provide for certain credit enhancements, such as liquidity facilities to cover certain interest payments, that reduce the risks to the purchasers of the trust certificates and, as a result, reduce the cost of aircraft financing to American.
Each trust covers a set number of aircraft or spare engines scheduled to be delivered, financed or refinanced upon the issuance of the EETC or within a specific period of time thereafter. At the time of each covered aircraft or spare engine financing, the relevant trust used the proceeds of the issuance of the EETC (which may have been available at the time of issuance thereof or held in escrow until financing of the applicable aircraft following its delivery) to purchase equipment notes relating to the financed aircraft.aircraft or engines. The equipment notes are issued, at American’s election, in connection with a mortgage financing of the aircraft or spare engines or, in certain cases, by a separate owner trust in connection with a leveraged lease financing of the aircraft. In the case of a leveraged lease financing, the owner trust then leases the aircraft to American. In both cases, the equipment notes are secured by a security interest in the aircraft.aircraft or engines, as applicable. The pass-through trust certificates are not direct obligations of, nor are they guaranteed by, AAG or American. However, in the case of mortgage financings, the equipment notes issued to the trusts are direct obligations of American and, in certain instances, have been guaranteed by AAG. As of December 31, 2018, $11.62021, $9.4 billion associated with these mortgage financings is reflected as debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
With respect to leveraged leases, American evaluated whether the leases had characteristics of a variable interest entity. American concluded the leasing entities met the criteria for variable interest entities. American generally is not the primary beneficiary of the leasing entities if the lease terms are consistent with market terms at the inception of the lease and do not include a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option or similar feature that obligates American to absorb decreases in value or entitles American to participate in increases in the value of the aircraft. American does not provide residual value guarantees to the bondholders or equity participants in the trusts. Some leases have a fair market value or a fixed price purchase option that allows American to purchase the aircraft at or near the end of the lease term. However, the option price approximates an estimate of the aircraft’s fair value at the option date. Under this feature, American does not participate in any increases in the value of the aircraft.entities; however, American concluded it is not the primary beneficiary under these arrangements. Therefore, Americanleasing arrangements and accounts for the majority of its EETC leveraged lease financings as operating leases. American’s total future payments to the trusts of each of the relevant EETCs under these leveraged lease financings are$35220 million as of December 31, 2018,2021, which are reflected in the operating lease obligations in Note 6.5.
Letters of Credit and Other
We provide financial assurance, such as letters of credit, surety bonds or restricted cash and investments, primarily to support projected workers’ compensation obligations and airport commitments. As of December 31, 2018,2021, we had $460$439 million of letters of credit and surety bonds securing various obligations.obligations, of which $94 million is collateralized with our restricted cash. The letters of credit and surety bonds that are subject to expiration will expire on various dates through 2022.2025.
(e) Legal Proceedings
Chapter 11 Cases. On November 29, 2011, AMR, American, and certain of AMR’s other direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (the Debtors) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the Bankruptcy Court). On October 21, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving and confirming the Debtors’ fourth amended joint plan of reorganization (as amended, the Plan). On the Effective Date, December 9, 2013, the Debtors consummated their reorganization pursuant to the Plan and completed the Merger.
Pursuant to rulings
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Table of the Bankruptcy Court, theContents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
The Plan established the Disputed Claims Reservea DCR to hold shares of AAG common stock reserved for issuance to disputed claimholders at the Effective Date that ultimately become holders of allowed


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

claims. The shares of AAG common stock issued to the Disputed Claims ReserveDCR were originally issued on December 13, 2013, and have at all times since been included in the number of shares issued and outstanding as reported from time to time in our quarterly and annual reports, including for purposes of calculating earnings per common share. As disputed claims are resolved, the claimants will receive distributions of shares from the Disputed Claims Reserve. However, weDCR. We are not required to distribute additional shares above the limits contemplated by the Plan, even if the shares remaining for distribution in the Disputed Claims ReserveDCR are not sufficient to fully pay any additional allowed unsecured claims. ToOn November 29, 2021, the extentBankruptcy Court granted our motion to close the bankruptcy case. The motion authorized us to settle various bankruptcy-related claims, distribute excess reserved funds held in the DCR, excluding shares set aside for an earlier settlement of a claim that any of the reserved shares remain undistributed upon resolution of all remaining disputed claims, such shares will not be returned to us but rather willcannot be distributed until all appeals are final, and to former AMR stockholders and former convertible noteholders treated as stockholders underclose the Plan.Chapter 11 cases. On February 12, 2019,December 7, 2021, in accordance with the approval granted by the Bankruptcy Court, on December 6, 2018, an aggregate ofwe distributed approximately 17.34.5 million shares of AAG common stock were distributed from the Disputed Claims ReserveDCR to former AMR shareholdersstockholders, to former convertible noteholders treated as stockholders under the Plan and convertible noteholders. After giving effect to this distribution, the Disputed Claims Reserve holds approximately 7.2claimants. As of December 31, 2021, 0.3 million shares of AAG common stock.stock remain in the DCR to be available to resolve an outstanding claim.
Private Party Antitrust Action Related to Passenger Capacity. We, along with Delta Air Lines, Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., United Airlines, Inc. and, in the case of litigation filed in Canada, Air Canada, have beenwere named as defendants in approximately 100 putative class action lawsuits alleging unlawful agreements with respect to air passenger capacity. The U.S. lawsuits have beenwere consolidated in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia (the DC Court). On June 15, 2018, we reached a preliminary settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the amount of $45 million that, once approved, willto resolve all class claims in the U.S. lawsuits. That settlement received preliminary approval fromwas approved by the DC Court on June 18, 2018.May 13, 2019, however three parties who objected to the settlement have appealed that decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. We believe these appeals are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against them.
Private Party Antitrust Action Related to the Merger. On August 6, 2013, a lawsuit captioned Carolyn Fjord, et al., v. AMR Corporation, et al., was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.Court. The complaint named as defendants US Airways Group, US Airways, Inc., AMR and American, alleged that the effect of the Merger may be to create a monopoly in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Antitrust Act, and sought injunctive relief and/or divestiture. On November 27, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court denied plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily enjoin the Merger. On August 29, 2018, the Bankruptcy Court denied in part defendants' motion for summary judgment, and fully denied plaintiffs' cross-motion for summary judgment. AThe parties' evidentiary cases were presented before the Bankruptcy Court in a bench trial is presently scheduled forin March 2019 and the parties submitted proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and made closing arguments in April 2019. On January 29, 2021, the Bankruptcy Court published its decision finding in our favor. The plaintiffs have appealed this ruling to the U.S. District Court, which remains pending. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and intend to continue to vigorously defend against it, including against plaintiffs' appeal of the allegations.Bankruptcy Court's January 29, 2021 ruling.
DOJ InvestigationGovernment Antitrust Action Related to the Northeast Alliance. On September 21, 2021, the United States Postal Service. In April 2015, the Department of Justice (DOJ) informed us, joined by Attorneys General from six states and the District of Columbia, filed an inquiry regarding American’s 2009antitrust complaint against American and 2011 contractsJetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue) alleging that American and JetBlue violated U.S. antitrust laws in connection with the previously disclosed Northeast Alliance (NEA) arrangement. We believe the complaint is without merit and intend to defend against it vigorously.
Also on September 21, 2021, the United States Postal Service for Department of Transportation (DOT) published a Clarification Notice relating to the international transportationagreement that had been reached between the DOT, American, and JetBlue in January 2021, at the conclusion of mail by air. In October 2015, we received a Civil Investigative Demand fromthe DOT’s review of the NEA (DOT Agreement). The DOT Clarification Notice stated, among other things, that the DOT Agreement remains in force during the pendency of the DOJ seeking certain information relatingaction against the NEA and, while the DOT retains independent statutory authority to these contracts andprohibit unfair methods of competition in air transportation, the DOT intends to defer to DOJ to resolve the antitrust concerns that DOJ has identified with respect to the NEA. The DOT simultaneously published a Notice Staying Proceeding in relation to a complaint by Spirit Airlines, Inc. regarding the NEA, pending resolution of the DOJ has also sought information concerning certain of the airlines that transport mail on a codeshare basis. The DOJ has indicated it is investigating potential violations of the False Claims Act or other statutes. We are cooperating fully with the DOJ with regard to its investigation.action described above.
General. In addition to the specifically identified legal proceedings, we and our subsidiaries are also engaged in other legal proceedings from time to time. Legal proceedings can be complex and take many months, or even years, to reach resolution, with the final outcome depending on a number of variables, some of which are not within our control. Therefore, although we will vigorously defend ourselves in each of the actions described above and such other legal proceedings, their ultimate resolution and potential financial and other impacts on us are uncertain but could be material. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors –“We may be a party to litigation in the normal course
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Table of business or otherwise, which could affect our financial position and liquidity” for additional discussion.Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
(f) Guarantees and Indemnifications
We are party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. We are not able to estimate the potential amount of any liability resulting from the indemnities. These indemnities are discussed in the following paragraphs.
In our aircraft financing agreements, we generally indemnify the financing parties, trustees acting on their behalf and other relevant parties against liabilities (including certain taxes) resulting from the financing, manufacture, design, ownership, operation and maintenance of the aircraft regardless of whether these liabilities (including certain taxes) relate to the negligence of the indemnified parties.
Our loan agreements and other LIBOR-based financing transactions (including certain leveraged aircraft leases) generally obligate us to reimburse the applicable lender for incremental costs due to a change in law that imposes (i) any reserve or special deposit requirement against assets of, deposits with or credit extended by such lender related to the loan, (ii) any tax, duty or other charge with respect to the loan (except standard income tax) or (iii) capital adequacy requirements. In addition, our loan agreements and other financing arrangements typically contain a withholding tax provision that requires


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

us to pay additional amounts to the applicable lender or other financing party, generally if withholding taxes are imposed on such lender or other financing party as a result of a change in the applicable tax law.
In certain transactions, including certain aircraft financing leases and loans, the lessors, lenders and/or other parties have rights to terminate the transaction based on changes in foreign tax law, illegality or certain other events or circumstances. In such a case, we may be required to make a lump sum payment to terminate the relevant transaction.
We have general indemnity clauses in many of our airport and other real estate leases where we as lessee indemnify the lessor (and related parties) against liabilities related to our use of the leased property. Generally, these indemnifications cover liabilities resulting from the negligence of the indemnified parties, but not liabilities resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the indemnified parties. In addition, we provide environmental indemnities in many of these leases for contamination related to our use of the leased property.
Under certain contracts with third parties, we indemnify the third-party against legal liability arising out of an action by the third-party, or certain other parties. The terms of these contracts vary and the potential exposure under these indemnities cannot be determined. We have liability insurance protecting us for some of the obligations we have undertaken under these indemnities.
American is required to make principal and interest payments for certain special facility revenue bonds issued by municipalities primarily to build or improve airport facilities and purchase equipment, which are leased to American. The payment of principal and interest of certain special facility revenue bonds is guaranteed by AAG. As of December 31, 2018,2021, the remaining lease payments through 2035 guaranteeing the principal and interest on these bonds are $588$555 million and the current carrying amount of the associated operating lease liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is $321 million.
As of December 31, 2018,2021, AAG had issued guarantees covering approximately $769 million principal amount of American’s special facility revenue bonds (and interest thereon) and $8.4$19.8 billion principal amount of American’s secured debt (and interest thereon), including the Credit Facilities, andthe AAdvantage Financing, certain EETC financings.financings and $1.1 billion of American’s special facility revenue bonds (and interest thereon).
(g) Credit Card Processing Agreements
We have agreements with companies that process customer credit card transactions for the sale of air travel and other services. Our agreements allow these credit card processing companies, under certain conditions, to hold an amount of our cash (referred to as a holdback) equal to all or a portion of advance ticket sales that have been processed by that company, but for which we have not yet provided the air transportation. AdditionalThese holdback requirements incan be modified at the eventdiscretion of the credit card processing companies upon the occurrence of specific events, including material adverse changes in our financial condition will reduce ouror the triggering of a liquidity in the form of unrestricted cash by the amount of the holdbacks.covenant. These credit card processing companies are not currently entitled to maintain any holdbacks pursuant to these requirements.holdbacks. The imposition of holdback requirements would reduce our liquidity.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
(h) Labor Negotiations
As of December 31, 2018,2021, we employed approximately 128,900123,400 active full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, of which 26,00026,600 were employed by our wholly-owned regional operations. Approximately 84% ofsubsidiaries. Of the total active FTE employees, 86% are covered by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with various labor unions and approximately 22% of employees45% are covered by CBAs that are currently amendable or that will become amendable within one year. Negotiations are continuing for jointJoint collective bargaining agreements (JCBAs) covering our mainline maintenance, fleetpilots, flight attendants, passenger service, stock clerks, maintenance control techniciansflight simulator engineers and maintenance training instructors as well as fordispatchers are now amendable. The CBAs covering certain employee groups at our wholly-owned regional subsidiaries. Additionally, the post-Merger JCBAs covering our pilots and flight attendants, while not yet amendable, provide the unions with the right to elect to commence negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements in advance of each JCBA’s amendable date. Each of the unions has exercised these rights and negotiationssubsidiaries are underway for new agreements as described in Part I, Item 1. Business - “Employees and Labor Relations”. There is no assurance that a successful or timely resolution of these labor negotiations will be achieved.

also amendable.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

13.12. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Equity investment$88 $— $— 
Settlement of bankruptcy obligations(1)56 
Deferred financing costs paid through issuance of debt— 17 — 
Supplemental information:
Interest paid, net1,632 944 1,111 
Income taxes paid
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Non-cash investing and financing activities:     
Equity investment$
 $120
 $
Settlement of bankruptcy obligations
 15
 3
Supplemental information:     
Interest paid, net1,091
 1,040
 964
Income taxes paid18
 20
 16
14.13. Operating Segments and Related Disclosures
We are managed as a single business unit that provides air transportation for passengers and cargo. This allows us to benefit from an integrated revenue pricing and route network that includes American and our wholly-owned and third-party regional carriers that fly under capacity purchase agreements operating as American Eagle. The flight equipment of all these carriers is combined to form one1 fleet that is deployed through a single route scheduling system. Financial information and annual operational plans and forecasts are prepared and reviewed by the chief operating decision maker at the consolidated level. When making operational decisions, the chief operating decision maker evaluates flight profitability data, which considers aircraft type and route economics, but is indifferent to the results of the individual wholly-owned regional carriers. The objective in making operational decisions is to maximize consolidated financial results, not the individual results of American or American Eagle.
See Note 1(k)1(l) for our passenger revenuesrevenue by geographic region. Our tangible assets consist primarily of flight equipment, which are mobile across geographic markets and, therefore, have not been allocated.
15.14. Share-based Compensation
The 2013 AAG Incentive Award Plan (the 2013 Plan) provides that awards may be in the form of an option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, performance award, dividend equivalent award, deferred stock award, deferred stock unit award, stock payment award or stock appreciation right. The 2013 Plan initially authorized the grant of awards for the issuance of up to 40 million shares. Any shares underlying awards granted under the 2013 Plan or any pre-existing US Airways Group plan, that are forfeited, terminate or are settled in cash (in whole or in part) without the delivery of shares will again be available for grant.
OurFor the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $98 million, $91 million and $95 million, respectively, of share-based compensation costs principally in salaries, wages and benefits expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 included $88 million, $90 million and $102 million, respectively,on our consolidated statements of share-based compensation costs.operations.
During 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, we withheld approximately 0.81.0 million, 1.10.7 million and 1.40.8 million shares of AAG common stock, respectively, and paid approximately $37$18 million, $51$15 million and $56$25 million, respectively, in satisfaction of certain tax withholding obligations associated with employee equity awards.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs)
WeThe majority of our RSUs have granted RSUs with service conditions (time vested primarily over three years) and performance conditions.. The grant-date fair value of these RSUs is equal to the market price of the underlying shares of AAG common stock on the date of grant. For time vested awards, theThe expense for these RSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award. For awards with performance conditions, the expense is recognized based on the expected achievement at each reporting period. Stock-settled RSUs are classified as equity awards as the vesting results in the issuance of shares of AAG common stock.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.

Stock-settled RSU award activity for all plans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 is as follows:
Number of SharesWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands) 
(In thousands)  
Outstanding at December 31, 20155,607
 $38.08
Outstanding at December 31, 2018Outstanding at December 31, 20184,320 $44.29 
Granted2,655
 41.34
Granted3,206 34.00 
Vested and released(2,754) 34.83
Vested and released(2,002)44.90 
Forfeited(321) 40.15
Forfeited(337)42.55 
Outstanding at December 31, 20165,187
 $41.48
Outstanding at December 31, 2019Outstanding at December 31, 20195,187 $37.01 
Granted2,309
 48.58
Granted5,883 22.07 
Vested and released(2,708) 39.63
Vested and released(2,268)39.46 
Forfeited(464) 44.48
Forfeited(920)29.78 
Outstanding at December 31, 20174,324
 $46.94
Outstanding at December 31, 2020Outstanding at December 31, 20207,882 $23.66 
Granted2,194
 47.65
Granted5,525 18.34 
Vested and released(1,999) 44.99
Vested and released(3,314)25.58 
Forfeited(199) 45.72
Forfeited(692)18.78 
Outstanding at December 31, 20184,320
 $44.29
Outstanding at December 31, 2021Outstanding at December 31, 20219,401 $20.17 
As of December 31, 2018,2021, there was $111$99 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-settled RSUs. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year. The total fair value of stock-settled RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 was $91$62 million, $123$51 million and $107$68 million, respectively.
16.15. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in millions)
Balance at Beginning of YearAdditions Charged to Statement of Operations AccountsDeductionsBalance at
End of Year
Allowance for obsolescence of spare parts
Year ended December 31, 2021$490 $177 $(33)$634 
Year ended December 31, 2020784 100 (394)490 
Year ended December 31, 2019814 91 (121)784 
Allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable
Year ended December 31, 2021$36 $22 $(24)$34 
Year ended December 31, 202031 27 (22)36 
Year ended December 31, 201929 19 (17)31 
151
 Balance at Beginning of Year Additions Charged to Statement of Operations Accounts Deductions Balance at End of Year
Allowance for obsolescence of spare parts       
Year ended December 31, 2018$769
 $70
 $(25) $814
Year ended December 31, 2017765
 29
 (25) 769
Year ended December 31, 2016728
 37
 
 765
Allowance for uncollectible accounts       
Year ended December 31, 2018$24
 $42
 $(37) $29
Year ended December 31, 201736
 43
 (55) 24
Year ended December 31, 201641
 47
 (52) 36


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.INC.

16. Subsequent Event
17.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Unaudited summarized financial data by quarterOn January 31, 2022, we entered into an amended purchase agreement with Boeing, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase 23 additional Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft through the conversion of existing purchase options. We also intend to exercise purchase options for 2018an additional 7 aircraft in 2022, bringing our total incremental firm order of Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft to 30, with 15 of such aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 2017 (in millions, except share and per share amounts):
 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
2018 (1)
       
Operating revenues$10,401
 $11,643
 $11,559
 $10,938
Operating expenses10,005
 10,639
 10,874
 10,367
Operating income396
 1,004
 685
 571
Net income159
 556
 372
 325
Earnings per share:       
Basic$0.34
 $1.20
 $0.81
 $0.71
Diluted$0.34
 $1.20
 $0.81
 $0.70
Shares used for computation (in thousands):       
Basic472,297
 463,533
 460,526
 460,589
Diluted474,598
 464,618
 461,507
 461,915
        
2017       
Operating revenues$9,820
 $11,227
 $10,965
 $10,611
Operating expenses9,083
 9,628
 9,709
 9,973
Operating income737
 1,599
 1,256
 638
Net income (loss)340
 864
 661
 (583)
Earnings (loss) per share:       
Basic$0.67
 $1.76
 $1.36
 $(1.22)
Diluted$0.67
 $1.75
 $1.36
 $(1.22)
Shares used for computation (in thousands):       
Basic503,902
 490,818
 484,772
 477,165
Diluted507,797
 492,965
 486,625
 477,165
(1)
15 scheduled to be delivered in 2024. In addition, we entered into an amended purchase agreement with Boeing to defer the delivery of certain Boeing 787 Family aircraft previously scheduled to be delivered beginning in January 2023. Pursuant to this amendment, deliveries of these aircraft are now scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2018, we adopted the New Lease Standard as of January 1, 2018. In accordance with the New Lease Standard, prior 2018 periods have been recast to reflect the effects of this adoption. See Note 1(b) and Note 6 for further discussion of the New Lease Standard.
Our fourth quarter 2018 results include $225 million of total net special items that principally included $146 million of fleet restructuring expenses, $81 million of merger integration expenses, $37 million of severance costs associated with reductions of management2023 and support staff team members, $22 million of mark-to-market net unrealized losses associated with certain equity investments, offset in part by a $37 million net credit resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations and a $22 million income tax credit as a result of the reversal of the valuation allowance previously recognized in the first quarter of 2018 related to our estimated refund for AMT credits, which is no longer subject to sequestration.will continue into 2027.
Our fourth quarter 2017 results include $1.1 billion of total net special items that principally included a $149 million charge for the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in recognition of the 2017 Tax Act, $81 million of merger integration expenses, $58 million of fleet restructuring expenses, a $20 million net charge resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations and an $823 million special non-cash charge to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on our deferred tax asset and liabilities due to the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC.



18.  Subsequent Event
Dividend Declaration
In January 2019, we announced that our BoardTable of Directors declared a $0.10 per share cash dividend for stockholders of record on February 6, 2019, and payable on February 20, 2019. Any future dividends that may be declared and paid from time to time will be subject to market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. We are not obligated to continue a dividend for any fixed period, and the payment of dividends may be suspended or discontinued at any time at our discretion and without prior notice.Contents




ITEM 8B. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholder and Board of Directors
American Airlines, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Airlines, Inc. and subsidiaries (American) as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholder’s equity, for each of the years in the three‑yearthree-year period ended December 31, 2018,2021, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑yearthree-year period ended December 31, 2018,2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), American’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 25, 201922, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of American’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, American changed its method of accounting for revenue from contracts with customers and leases in 2018 due to the full retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as amended, and the modified retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of American’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to American in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
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Estimate of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed
As discussed in Note 1(l) to the consolidated financial statements, American’s loyalty program awards mileage credits to passengers for flights on American, flights on a partner airline, or for using the services of other program participants. American uses a statistical model based on historical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed. The associated value of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed is recognized as revenue proportionally as the remaining mileage credits are redeemed. American’s loyalty program liability was $9.1 billion as of December 31, 2021 and the associated passenger revenue for mileage credits redeemed for travel was $2.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021.
We identified the evaluation of the estimation of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed as a critical audit matter. Evaluating the application of the statistical model used to develop the estimate involved complex auditor judgment and the use of actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over American’s loyalty program accounting process, including a control related to the evaluation of the application of the statistical model used to develop the estimate of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed. We involved actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in developing a statistical model to derive an independent expectation of mileage credits not expected to be redeemed. We compared this independent expectation to American’s estimate to evaluate the appropriateness of the amount of the loyalty program liability and associated passenger revenue.
Sufficiency of audit evidence over realizability of tax operating loss and other carryforwards
As discussed in Notes 1(i) and 5to the consolidated financial statements, American had $4.5 billion of tax operating loss and other carryforwards, which are recorded as deferred tax assets at December 31, 2021. Deferred tax assets are recognized related to tax operating loss and other carryforwards that will reduce future taxable income. American provides a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of the deferred tax assets, will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management considers the weighting of all available positive and negative evidence.
We identified the evaluation of the sufficiency of audit evidence over the realizability of tax operating loss and other carryforwards as a critical audit matter. Evaluating the sufficiency of audit evidence required subjective auditor judgment in order to assess the extent of procedures performed in assessing the realizability of the tax operating loss and other carryforwards.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to American’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance process, including controls related to the realizability of tax operating loss and other carryforwards. We evaluated positive and negative evidence used in assessing whether the tax operating loss and other carryforwards were more likely than not to be realized in the future. We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s projections of future profitability considering historical profitability of American, and consistency with industry data and economic trends. We involved tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating the application of tax law. We assessed the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained over the realizability of the tax operating loss and other carryforwards by evaluating the cumulative results of the audit procedures.
/s/    KPMG LLP


We have served as American’s auditor since 2014.
Dallas, Texas
February 25, 201922, 2022

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AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2018 2017 2016 202120202019
Operating revenues:     Operating revenues:
Passenger$40,676
 $39,131
 $37,045
Passenger$26,063 $14,518 $42,010 
Cargo1,013
 890
 785
Cargo1,314 769 863 
Other2,841
 2,589
 2,295
Other2,503 2,048 2,888 
Total operating revenues44,530
 42,610
 40,125
Total operating revenues29,880 17,335 45,761 
Operating expenses:     Operating expenses:
Aircraft fuel and related taxes8,053
 6,128
 5,071
Aircraft fuel and related taxes6,792 3,402 9,395 
Salaries, wages and benefits12,240
 11,942
 10,958
Salaries, wages and benefits11,811 11,224 12,886 
Regional expenses7,064
 6,572
 6,009
Regional expenses3,111 2,746 4,002 
Maintenance, materials and repairs2,050
 1,959
 1,834
Maintenance, materials and repairs1,979 1,585 2,381 
Other rent and landing fees1,900
 1,806
 1,772
Other rent and landing fees2,619 2,004 2,672 
Aircraft rent1,264
 1,197
 1,203
Aircraft rent1,425 1,341 1,326 
Selling expenses1,520
 1,477
 1,323
Selling expenses1,098 666 2,004 
Depreciation and amortization1,839
 1,702
 1,525
Depreciation and amortization2,019 2,040 1,982 
Special items, net787
 712
 709
Special items, net(4,006)(657)635 
Other5,090
 4,910
 4,641
Other3,993 3,208 5,431 
Total operating expenses41,807
 38,405
 35,045
Total operating expenses30,841 27,559 42,714 
Operating income2,723
 4,205
 5,080
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)(961)(10,224)3,047 
Nonoperating income (expense):     Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income330
 215
 104
Interest income34 337 515 
Interest expense, net(1,028) (988) (906)Interest expense, net(1,642)(1,171)(1,109)
Other income, net167
 123
 18
Other income, net292 155 152 
Total nonoperating expense, net(531) (650) (784)Total nonoperating expense, net(1,316)(679)(442)
Income before income taxes2,192
 3,555
 4,296
Income tax provision534
 2,270
 1,607
Net income$1,658
 $1,285
 $2,689
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes(2,277)(10,903)2,605 
Income tax provision (benefit)Income tax provision (benefit)(500)(2,453)633 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$(1,777)$(8,450)$1,972 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31, 202120202019
2018 2017 2016
Net income$1,658
 $1,285
 $2,689
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$(1,777)$(8,450)$1,972 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits(116) (68) (357)Pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits1,153 (771)(434)
Investments(3) (1) 6
Investments— — 
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax(119) (69) (351)
Total comprehensive income$1,539
 $1,216
 $2,338
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxTotal other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax1,153 (771)(431)
Total comprehensive income (loss)Total comprehensive income (loss)$(624)$(9,221)$1,541 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except sharesshare and par value)
December 31, December 31,
2018 2017 20212020
ASSETS   ASSETS
Current assets   Current assets
Cash$265
 $287
Cash$265 $231 
Short-term investments4,482
 4,768
Short-term investments12,155 6,617 
Restricted cash and short-term investments154
 318
Restricted cash and short-term investments990 609 
Accounts receivable, net1,755
 1,755
Accounts receivable, net1,484 1,334 
Receivables from related parties, net10,666
 8,822
Receivables from related parties, net5,547 7,877 
Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, net1,442
 1,294
Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, net1,692 1,520 
Prepaid expenses and other493
 647
Prepaid expenses and other579 633 
Total current assets19,257
 17,891
Total current assets22,712 18,821 
Operating property and equipment   Operating property and equipment
Flight equipment41,180
 39,993
Flight equipment37,520 37,485 
Ground property and equipment8,466
 8,006
Ground property and equipment8,966 8,836 
Equipment purchase deposits1,277
 1,217
Equipment purchase deposits517 1,446 
Total property and equipment, at cost50,923
 49,216
Total property and equipment, at cost47,003 47,767 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(17,123) (15,354)Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(17,770)(16,393)
Total property and equipment, net33,800
 33,862
Total property and equipment, net29,233 31,374 
Operating lease right-of-use assets9,094
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets7,810 7,994 
Other assets   Other assets
Goodwill4,091
 4,091
Goodwill4,091 4,091 
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $663 and $622, respectively2,137
 2,203
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $786 and $745, respectivelyIntangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $786 and $745, respectively1,988 2,029 
Deferred tax asset1,280
 2,071
Deferred tax asset3,408 3,235 
Other assets1,219
 1,283
Other assets1,903 1,671 
Total other assets8,727
 9,648
Total other assets11,390 11,026 
Total assets$70,878
 $61,401
Total assets$71,145 $69,215 
   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities   Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases$2,547
 $2,058
Current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases$1,742 $2,800 
Accounts payable1,707
 1,625
Accounts payable1,630 1,116 
Accrued salaries and wages1,363
 1,613
Accrued salaries and wages1,385 1,661 
Air traffic liability4,339
 4,042
Air traffic liability6,087 4,757 
Loyalty program liability3,267
 3,121
Loyalty program liability2,896 2,033 
Operating lease liabilities1,639
 
Operating lease liabilities1,496 1,641 
Other accrued liabilities2,259
 2,209
Other accrued liabilities2,628 2,300 
Total current liabilities17,121
 14,668
Total current liabilities17,864 16,308 
Noncurrent liabilities   Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities20,650
 21,236
Long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities30,352 26,182 
Pension and postretirement benefits6,863
 7,452
Pension and postretirement benefits5,020 7,027 
Loyalty program liability5,272
 5,701
Loyalty program liability6,239 7,162 
Operating lease liabilities7,857
 
Operating lease liabilities6,578 6,739 
Other liabilities1,345
 2,456
Other liabilities1,266 1,449 
Total noncurrent liabilities41,987
 36,845
Total noncurrent liabilities49,455 48,559 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)00
Stockholder’s equity   Stockholder’s equity
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
 
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding— — 
Additional paid-in capital16,802
 16,716
Additional paid-in capital17,152 17,050 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(5,370) (5,251)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(6,041)(7,194)
Retained earnings (deficit)338
 (1,577)
Retained deficitRetained deficit(7,285)(5,508)
Total stockholder’s equity11,770
 9,888
Total stockholder’s equity3,826 4,348 
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity$70,878
 $61,401
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity$71,145 $69,215 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
  Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$(1,777)$(8,450)$1,972 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization2,282 2,313 2,267 
Net gains from sale of property and equipment and sale-leaseback transactions(26)(98)(109)
Special items, net non-cash83 1,588 384 
Pension and postretirement(320)(319)(178)
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)(500)(2,453)623 
Share-based compensation95 91 94 
Other, net24 14 (56)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable(290)595 130 
Decrease (increase) in other assets(370)42 (321)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities335 (619)273 
Increase (decrease) in air traffic liability1,454 (51)469 
Decrease (increase) in receivables from related parties, net1,857 4,134 (1,772)
Increase (decrease) in loyalty program liability(60)580 76 
Contributions to pension plans(247)(6)(1,224)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities650 1,210 (199)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities3,190 (1,429)2,429 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net of aircraft purchase deposit returns(169)(1,922)(4,156)
Airport construction projects, net of reimbursements(204)(173)(98)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment192 351 49 
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions181 665 850 
Purchases of short-term investments(19,454)(5,874)(3,184)
Sales of short-term investments13,923 2,803 4,144 
Increase in restricted short-term investments(401)(308)(3)
Purchase of equity investment(28)— — 
Proceeds on sale of equity investment41 — 
Proceeds from vendor— 90 250 
Other investing activities10 19 
Net cash used in investing activities(5,945)(4,308)(2,146)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt10,209 8,959 3,210 
Payments on long-term debt and finance leases(7,320)(3,029)(3,440)
Deferred financing costs(207)(85)(52)
Other financing activities88 — — 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities2,770 5,845 (282)
Net increase in cash and restricted cash15 108 
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of year385 277 276 
Cash and restricted cash at end of year (a)
$400 $385 $277 
 December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$1,658
 $1,285
 $2,689
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation and amortization2,108
 1,964
 1,762
Debt discount and lease amortization(97) (119) (124)
Special items, non-cash458
 272
 270
Pension and postretirement(302) (132) (70)
Deferred income tax provision503
 2,246
 1,597
Share-based compensation86
 90
 100
Other, net(62) (25) (16)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:     
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable232
 (189) (169)
Increase in other assets(354) (405) (205)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities(171) 266
 336
Increase in air traffic liability297
 65
 158
Increase in receivables from related parties, net(1,849) (1,994) (4,862)
Increase (decrease) in loyalty program liability(283) (308) 417
Contributions to pension plans(472) (286) (32)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities191
 140
 (101)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,943
 2,870
 1,750
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures and aircraft purchase deposits(3,677) (5,881) (5,657)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and sale-leaseback transactions1,202
 922
 115
Purchases of short-term investments(3,412) (4,633) (6,241)
Sales of short-term investments3,705
 5,915
 6,092
Proceeds from sale of investments207
 
 
Decrease in restricted short-term investments72
 309
 53
Purchase of equity investment
 (203) 
Other investing activities(7) 
 
Net cash used in investing activities(1,910) (3,571) (5,638)
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt2,354
 3,058
 7,701
Payments on long-term debt and finance leases(2,442) (2,332) (3,827)
Deferred financing costs(59) (85) (77)
Other financing activities
 27
 33
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(147) 668
 3,830
Net decrease in cash and restricted cash(114) (33) (58)
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of year390
 423
 481
Cash and restricted cash at end of year (a)
$276
 $390
 $423
(a) The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and restricted cash to amounts reported within the consolidated balance sheets:
Cash$265
 $287
 $310
Cash$265 $231 $267 
Restricted cash included in restricted cash and short-term investments11
 103
 113
Restricted cash included in restricted cash and short-term investments135 154 10 
Total cash and restricted cash$276
 $390
 $423
Total cash and restricted cash$400 $385 $277 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
(In millions)
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2015$
 $16,521
 $(4,831) $(1,992) $9,698
Net income
 
 
 2,689
 2,689
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (351) 
 (351)
Share-based compensation expense
 100
 
 
 100
Impact of adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09 related to share-based compensation
 
 
 418
 418
Impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 related to revenue recognition (See Note 1(b))
 
 
 (3,977) (3,977)
Intercompany equity transfer
 3
 
 
 3
Balance at December 31, 2016
 16,624
 (5,182) (2,862) 8,580
Net income
 
 
 1,285
 1,285
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (69) 
 (69)
Share-based compensation expense
 90
 
 
 90
Intercompany equity transfer
 2
 
 
 2
Balance at December 31, 2017
 16,716
 (5,251) (1,577) 9,888
Net income
 
 
 1,658
 1,658
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (119) 
 (119)
Share-based compensation expense
 86
 
 
 86
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-01 related to financial instruments (See Note 1(b))
 
 
 60
 60
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 related to leases (See Note 1(b))
 
 
 197
 197
Balance at December 31, 2018$
 $16,802
 $(5,370) $338
 $11,770
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018$— $16,802 $(5,992)$960 $11,770 
Net income— — — 1,972 1,972 
Other comprehensive loss, net— — (431)— (431)
Share-based compensation expense— 94 — — 94 
Intercompany equity transfer— — 10 17 
Balance at December 31, 2019— 16,903 (6,423)2,942 13,422 
Net loss— — — (8,450)(8,450)
Other comprehensive loss, net— — (771)— (771)
Share-based compensation expense— 91 — — 91 
Intercompany equity transfer— 56 — — 56 
Balance at December 31, 2020— 17,050 (7,194)(5,508)4,348 
Net loss— — — (1,777)(1,777)
Other comprehensive income, net— — 1,153 — 1,153 
Share-based compensation expense— 95 — — 95 
Intercompany equity transfer— — — 
Balance at December 31, 2021$— $17,152 $(6,041)$(7,285)$3,826 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
American Airlines, Inc. (American) is a Delaware corporation whose primary business activity is the operation of a major network air carrier.carrier, providing scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo. American is the principal wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc. (AAG), which owns all of American’s outstanding common stock, par value $1.00 per share. On December 9, 2013, a subsidiary of AMR Corporation (AMR) merged with and into US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways Group), a Delaware corporation, which survived as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAG, and AAG emerged from Chapter 11 (the Merger). Upon closing of the Merger and emergence from Chapter 11, AMR changed its name to American Airlines Group Inc. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant areas of judgment relate to passenger revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived and intangible assets, the loyalty program, deferred tax assets, as well as pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. See (r) Regional Expenses below for further information.
(b) Recent Accounting PronouncementsImpact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Standards AdoptedCOVID-19 has been declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has surfaced in 2018
Effective January 1, 2018, American adoptednearly all regions of the accounting pronouncements described below.
ASU 2014-09: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (the New Revenue Standard)
The New Revenue Standard appliesworld, which has driven the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to all companies that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goodsprevent or services. American adoptedreduce its spread, including travel restrictions, testing regimes, closing of borders, “stay at home” orders and business closures. Ongoing global vaccination efforts and the New Revenue Standard using the full retrospective method, whichcorresponding lifting of government restrictions in and between many markets resulted in a partial recovery in demand for air travel in 2021, which improved American’s revenues as compared to 2020. However, the recastreturn of prior reporting periods.
demand was weaker than previous expectations and the speed and strength of this recovery remain uncertain, primarily due to the global rise in COVID-19 cases associated with the delta and omicron variants and the potential for continuation or reimposition of restrictions on global travel. The adoptioncontinued impact of the New Revenue Standard impacted American’s accounting for outstanding mileage credits earned through travel by AAdvantage loyalty program members. There was no changeCOVID-19 pandemic, including any increases in accounting for salesinfection rates, new variants and renewed governmental action to slow the spread of mileage credits to co-branded credit card or other partners. Prior toCOVID-19 cannot be estimated.
American has taken aggressive actions since the adoptionbeginning of the New Revenue Standard, American usedCOVID-19 pandemic to mitigate its effects on its business, including capacity reductions, structural changes to its fleet, cost reductions including implementing voluntary leave and early retirement programs, and steps to preserve cash and improve its overall liquidity position, consistent with the incremental cost method to account for the portion of its loyalty program liability related to mileage credits earned through travel, which were valued based on the estimated incremental cost of carrying one additional passenger. The New Revenue Standard required American to change its policy to the deferred revenue method and apply a relative selling price approach whereby a portion of each passenger ticket sale attributable to mileage credits earned is deferred and recognized in passenger revenue upon future mileage redemption. The valueterms of the earned mileage credits is materially greaterfinancial assistance it has received from the U.S. Government under the deferred revenue method thanCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Subtitle A of Title IV of Division N of the value attributedConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PSP Extension Law) and Section 7301 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the ARP).
Capacity Reductions
American's capacity (as measured by available seat miles) continues to these mileage credits underbe reduced compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, with total capacity in 2021 down 24.7% as compared to 2019. Domestic capacity in 2021 was down 14.5% while international capacity was down 44.9% as compared to 2019.
While demand for domestic and short-haul international markets has largely recovered to 2019 levels, uncertainty remains regarding the incremental cost method.
The New Revenue Standard also required certain reclassifications, principally the reclassificationtiming of certain ancillary revenues previously classifieda full recovery. American will continue to match its forward capacity with observed booking trends for future travel and reported as other revenue to passenger revenue and as applicable to cargo revenue. Additionally, the New Revenue Standard required a gross presentation on the face of American’s consolidated statements of operations for certain revenues and expenses that had previously been presented on a net basis.
See “Impacts to 2017 Results” and “Impacts to 2016 Results” below for the impactmake further adjustments to American’s consolidated statementscapacity as needed.
Cost Reductions
American has reduced its 2021 operating expenditures as a result of operations data for 2017permanent non-volume cost reductions and 2016, respectively, and American’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 related to the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.
ASU 2017-07: Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (the New Retirement Standard)
The New Retirement Standard required all components of American’s net periodic benefit cost (income), with the exception of service cost, previously reported within operating expenses asother efficiency measures. These reductions include labor productivity enhancements, management salaries wages and benefits to be reclassified and reported within nonoperating income (expense). The New Retirement Standard was applied retrospectively, which resulted inother permanent cost reductions. Also, during the recastfirst quarter of each prior reporting period presented. The adoption of the New Retirement Standard had no impact on pre-tax income or net income reported.
See “Impacts to 2017 Results” and “Impacts to 2016 Results” below for the impact to American’s consolidated statements of operations data for 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to the adoption of the New Retirement Standard.2021, approximately 1,600 represented team members opted into a voluntary early retirement program.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

Liquidity
ASU 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) (the New Lease Standard)
The New Lease Standard requires lessees to recognize a lease liabilityAs of December 31, 2021, American had $15.8 billion in total available liquidity, consisting of $12.4 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, $2.8 billion in undrawn capacity under revolving credit facilities and a right-of-use (ROU) asset ontotal of $568 million in undrawn short-term revolving and other facilities.
During 2021, American completed the following financing transactions (see Note 3 for further information):
issued $3.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 and $3.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 and entered into the $3.5 billion AAdvantage Term Loan Facility of which the full amount of term loans was drawn at closing;
repaid in full $750 million under the 2013 Revolving Facility, $1.6 billion under the 2014 Revolving Facility and $450 million under the April 2016 Revolving Facility, all of which was borrowed in the second quarter of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
repaid the $550 million of outstanding loans under, and terminated, the $7.5 billion secured term loan facility with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) (the Treasury Loan Agreement);
issued approximately $150 million in special facility revenue bonds related to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), of which $62 million was used to fund the redemption of other bonds related to JFK;
repaid in full $950 million of the outstanding balance sheet for operating leases. Accounting for finance leases is substantially unchanged. The New Lease Standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.under, and terminated, the April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility;
received approximately $94 million in proceeds from enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs) and other aircraft and flight equipment financing, all of which was used to repay existing indebtedness; and
received approximately $192 million of cash proceeds from the sale of property and equipment primarily related to aircraft fleets retired in 2020 and raised $181 million principally from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, American elected to early adopt the New Lease Standard as of January 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective transition, with the cumulative-effect adjustmentaddition to the opening balanceforegoing financings, during 2021, AAG and the Subsidiaries (as defined below) received an aggregate of retained earnings asapproximately $3.5 billion in financial assistance through the payroll support program (PSP2) established under the PSP Extension Law. In connection with AAG and the Subsidiaries receipt of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP2 Promissory Note) to Treasury for $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.6 million shares (the PSP2 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock.
Also in 2021, AAG and the Subsidiaries received an aggregate of approximately $3.3 billion in financial assistance through the payroll support program (PSP3) established under the ARP. In connection with AAG and the Subsidiaries receipt of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP3 Promissory Note) to Treasury for $946 million in aggregate principal amount and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares (the PSP3 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock. See below for further discussion on PSP2 and PSP3.
A significant portion of American’s debt financing agreements contain covenants requiring it to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and/or contain loan to value, collateral coverage and/or peak debt service coverage ratio covenants.
Given the above actions and American’s current assumptions about the future impact of the effective date (the effective date method). Under the effective date method, financial results reported in periods prior to 2018 are unchanged. American also elected the package of practical expedients,COVID-19 pandemic on travel demand, which among other things, does not require reassessment of lease classification.
The adoption of the New Lease Standard had a significant impact on American’s consolidated balance sheetcould be materially different due to the recognitioninherent uncertainties of approximately $10 billionthe current operating environment, American expects to meet its cash obligations as well as remain in compliance with the debt covenants in its existing financing agreements for the next 12 months based on its current level of lease liabilitiesunrestricted cash and short-term investments, its anticipated access to liquidity (including via proceeds from financings), and projected cash flows from operations.
PSP1
On April 20, 2020 (the PSP1 Closing Date), American, Envoy Air Inc. (Envoy), Piedmont Airlines, Inc. (Piedmont) and PSA Airlines, Inc. (PSA and together with corresponding right-of-use assets for operating leases.
Additionally, American, recognizedEnvoy and Piedmont, the Subsidiaries), entered into a $197 million cumulative effect adjustment credit, net of tax,Payroll Support Program Agreement (the PSP1 Agreement) with Treasury, with respect to retained earnings. The adjustment to retained earnings was driven principally by sale-leaseback transactions including the recognition of unamortized deferred aircraft sale-leaseback gains. PriorPSP1 provided pursuant to the adoption ofCARES Act. In connection with AAG and the New Lease Standard, gains on sale-leaseback transactions were generally deferred and recognized inSubsidiaries’ entry into the income statement over the lease term. Under the New Lease Standard, gains on sale-leaseback transactions (subject to adjustment for off-market terms) are recognized immediately.
ASU 2016-01: Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10)
This ASU made several modifications to Subtopic 825-10, including the elimination of the available-for-sale classification of equity investments, and it required equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This standard was adopted prospectively as of January 1, 2018 and resulted in a $60 million cumulative effect adjustment credit to retained earnings, net of tax, related to American's investment in China Southern Airlines Company Limited (China Southern Airlines), which was previously accounted for under the cost method.
ASU 2016-18: Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash
This ASU required that the change in the total cash balance, cash at the beginning of the period and cash at the end of the periodPSP1 Agreement, on the statementPSP1 Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the PSP1 Warrant Agreement) with Treasury and issued the PSP1 Promissory Note to Treasury, with the Subsidiaries as guarantors (the Guarantors).
161

Table of cash flows include restricted cash, and also required companies that report cash and restricted cash separately on the balance sheet to reconcile those amounts to the statement of cash flows. This standard was applied retrospectively, which resulted in the recast of prior reporting periods in the statement of cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, $11 million, $103 million and $113 million, respectively, of restricted cash is included in the total cash and restricted cash balance at the end of the period. A reconciliation of cash and restricted cash reported on American's consolidated statements of cash flows to the amounts reported on its consolidated balance sheets is provided in a table below the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.Contents



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

PSP1 Agreement
ImpactsIn connection with PSP1, AAG and the Subsidiaries are required to 2017 Results
The effectscomply with the relevant provisions of the adoptionCARES Act, including the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits, the prohibition against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits, which expired on September 30, 2020, the requirement that certain levels of commercial air service be maintained and the provisions that prohibit the repurchase of AAG common stock and the payment of common stock dividends through at least September 30, 2021, as well as the provisions that restrict the payment of certain executive compensation until March 24, 2022. The PSP1 Agreement also imposes substantial reporting obligations on AAG and the Subsidiaries. These provisions were subsequently extended upon the entry of AAG and its Subsidiaries into PSP2 and PSP3. In addition, AAG and the Subsidiaries have entered into the Treasury Loan Agreement (as defined below) and, as a result, the stock repurchase, dividend and executive compensation restrictions imposed by the Treasury Loan Agreement will remain in place through the date that is one year after the secured loan provided under the Treasury Loan Agreement is fully repaid, which was in March 2021. See below for additional information on the Treasury Loan Agreement.
Pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement, Treasury provided to AAG and the Subsidiaries financial assistance in an aggregate of approximately $6.0 billion. As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under PSP1, AAG issued the PSP1 Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $1.8 billion and issued warrants (each a PSP1 Warrant and, collectively, the PSP1 Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million shares (the PSP1 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $12.51 per share, subject to adjustment. See below for more information on the PSP1 Warrant Agreement and the PSP1 Warrants.
For accounting purposes, the $6.0 billion of aggregate financial assistance AAG and the Subsidiaries received pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement is allocated to the PSP1 Promissory Note, the PSP1 Warrants and other PSP1 financial assistance (the PSP1 Financial Assistance). The $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of the New Revenue StandardPSP1 Promissory Note was recorded as unsecured long-term debt, and New Retirement Standardthe $63 million total fair value of the PSP1 Warrants, estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was recorded in stockholders' deficit in the consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount of approximately $4.2 billion of PSP1 Financial Assistance was recognized as a credit to American’sspecial items, net in the consolidated statement of operations in the second and third quarters of 2020, the period over which the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits was required.
PSP1 Warrant Agreement and PSP1 Warrants
As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 were as follows (in millions):
    New Revenue Standard New Retirement Standard  
Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 As Reported Deferred Revenue Method Ancillary Revenue Reclassifications Gross Versus Net Presentation Reclassifications As Recast
Operating revenues:            
    Passenger $36,133
 $311
 $2,648
 $39
 $
 $39,131
    Cargo 800
 
 42
 48
 
 890
    Other 5,262
 
 (2,690) 17
 
 2,589
    Total operating revenues 42,195
 311
 
 104
 
 42,610
    Total operating expenses 38,163
 
 
 104
 138
 38,405
Operating income 4,032
 311
 
 
 (138) 4,205
Total nonoperating expense, net (788) 
 
 
 138
 (650)
Income before income taxes 3,244
 311
 
 
 
 3,555
Income tax provision (1)
 1,322
 948
 
 
 
 2,270
Net income $1,922
 $(637) $
 $
 $
 $1,285
(1)
The adjustment to the 2017 income tax provision includes a $924 million special charge to reduce American’s deferred tax asset associated with loyalty program liabilities as a result of H.R. 1, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act), enacted in December 2017 that reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
provision of financial assistance under the PSP1 Agreement, and pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued the PSP1 Warrants to Treasury to purchase PSP1 Warrant Shares. The effectsexercise price of the adoptionPSP1 Warrant Shares is $12.51 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the PSP1 Warrants.
Pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued to Treasury PSP1 Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $12.51 per share, subject to adjustment.
The PSP1 Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each PSP1 Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the New Revenue Standarddate of issuance of such PSP1 Warrant. The PSP1 Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or cash, at AAG’s option. The PSP1 Warrants were issued solely as compensation to American’s December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheetthe U.S. Government related to entry into the PSP1 Agreement. No separate proceeds (apart from the financial assistance described above) were as follows (in millions):received upon issuance of the PSP1 Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.
Treasury Loan Agreement
On September 25, 2020 (the Treasury Loan Closing Date), AAG and American entered into a Loan and Guarantee Agreement (the Treasury Loan Agreement) with Treasury, which provided for a secured term loan facility (the Treasury Term Loan Facility) that permitted American to borrow up to $5.5 billion. Subsequently, on October 21, 2020, AAG and American entered into an amendment to the Treasury Loan Agreement, which increased the borrowing amount to up to $7.5 billion. In connection with AAG’s entry into the Treasury Loan Agreement, on the Treasury Loan Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement) with Treasury.
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  As Reported New Revenue Standard As Recast
Deferred tax asset $682
 $1,389
 $2,071
Air traffic liability 3,978
 64
 4,042
Current loyalty program liability 2,791
 330
 3,121
Noncurrent loyalty program liability 
 5,701
 5,701
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) 14,594
 (4,706) 9,888
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

ImpactsIn September 2020, American borrowed $550 million under the Treasury Term Loan Facility and on March 24, 2021, used proceeds from the AAdvantage Financing to 2016 Results
prepay in full the $550 million of outstanding loans under the Treasury Term Loan Facility. Pursuant to the Treasury Loan Agreement, AAG issued to Treasury warrants (Treasury Loan Warrants) to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock (the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares). The effectsexercise price of the adoptionTreasury Loan Warrant Shares is $12.51 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement. For accounting purposes, the fair value for the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded in stockholders' equity with an offsetting debt discount to the Treasury Term Loan Facility in the consolidated balance sheet. The provisions of the New Revenue StandardTreasury Loan Warrants are substantially similar to the PSP1 Warrants.
PSP2
On January 15, 2021 (the PSP2 Closing Date), the Subsidiaries, entered into a Payroll Support Program Extension Agreement (the PSP2 Agreement) with Treasury, with respect to PSP2 as provided pursuant to the PSP Extension Law. In connection with AAG and New Retirement Standardthe Subsidiaries’ entry into the PSP2 Agreement, on the PSP2 Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the PSP2 Warrant Agreement) with Treasury and issued the PSP2 Promissory Note to American’sTreasury, with the Subsidiaries as guarantors.
PSP2 Agreement
In connection with PSP2, AAG and the Subsidiaries are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the PSP Extension Law, which are substantially similar to the restrictions contained in the Payroll Support Program Agreement entered into by the Subsidiaries with Treasury in connection with the payroll support program established under the CARES Act (the PSP1 Agreement), but are in effect for a longer time period. These provisions include the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the PSP2 Agreement be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits, the prohibition against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits, which expired on March 31, 2021, the provisions that prohibit the repurchase of AAG common stock and the payment of common stock dividends through at least March 31, 2022, the provisions that restrict the payment of certain executive compensation until at least October 1, 2022, and a requirement to recall employees involuntarily terminated or furloughed after September 30, 2020. As was the case with PSP1, the PSP2 Agreement also imposes substantial reporting obligations on AAG and its Subsidiaries.
Pursuant to the PSP2 Agreement, Treasury provided AAG and its Subsidiaries financial assistance in an aggregate of approximately $3.5 billion. As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under PSP2, AAG issued the PSP2 Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion and issued warrants (each a PSP2 Warrant and, collectively, the PSP2 Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.6 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $15.66 per share, subject to adjustment. See below for more information on the PSP2 Warrant Agreement and PSP2 Warrants.
For accounting purposes, the $3.5 billion of aggregate financial assistance AAG and the Subsidiaries received pursuant to the PSP2 Agreement is allocated to the PSP2 Promissory Note, the PSP2 Warrants and other PSP2 financial assistance (the PSP2 Financial Assistance). The $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the PSP2 Promissory Note was recorded as unsecured long-term debt, and the $76 million total fair value of the PSP2 Warrants, estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was recorded in stockholders' deficit in AAG’s consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount of approximately $2.4 billion of PSP2 Financial Assistance was recognized as a credit to special items, net in the consolidated statement of operations forin the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 were as follows (in millions):first and second quarters of 2021, the period over which the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits was required.
PSP2 Warrant Agreement and PSP2 Warrants
    New Revenue Standard New Retirement Standard  
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 As Reported Deferred Revenue Method Ancillary Revenue Reclassifications Gross Versus Net Presentation Reclassifications As Recast
Operating revenues:            
    Passenger $34,579
 $(147) $2,571
 $42
 $
 $37,045
    Cargo 700
 
 36
 49
 
 785
    Other 4,884
 
 (2,607) 18
 
 2,295
    Total operating revenues 40,163
 (147) 
 109
 
 40,125
    Total operating expenses 34,859
 
 
 109
 77
 35,045
Operating income 5,304
 (147) 
 
 (77) 5,080
Total nonoperating expense, net (861) 
 
 
 77
 (784)
Income before income taxes 4,443
 (147) 
 
 
 4,296
Income tax provision 1,662
 (55) 
 
 
 1,607
Net income $2,781
 $(92) $
 $
 $
 $2,689
Standards Effective for 2019 Reporting Periods
ASU 2018-02: Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
This ASU provides financial statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings dueAs partial compensation to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate change as a resultGovernment for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP2 Agreement, and pursuant to the PSP2 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued the PSP2 Warrants to Treasury to purchase PSP2 Warrant Shares. The exercise price of the 2017 Tax Act. PSP2 Warrant Shares is $15.66 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the PSP2 Warrants.
Pursuant to the PSP2 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued to Treasury PSP2 Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.6 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $15.66 per share, subject to adjustment.
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The PSP2 Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each PSP2 Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such PSP2 Warrant. The PSP2 Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or cash, at AAG’s option. The PSP2 Warrants were issued solely as compensation to the U.S. Government related to entry into the PSP2 Agreement. No separate proceeds (apart from the financial assistance described above) were received upon issuance of the PSP2 Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.
PSP3
On April 23, 2021 (the PSP3 Closing Date), the Subsidiaries, entered into a Payroll Support Program 3 Agreement (the PSP3 Agreement) with Treasury, with respect to PSP3 as provided pursuant to the ARP. In connection with AAG and the Subsidiaries’ entry into the PSP3 Agreement, on the PSP3 Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the PSP3 Warrant Agreement) with Treasury and issued the PSP3 Promissory Note to Treasury, with the Subsidiaries as guarantors.
PSP3 Agreement
In connection with PSP3, AAG and the Subsidiaries are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the ARP, which are substantially similar to the restrictions contained in the PSP1 Agreement, but are in effect for a longer time period. These provisions include the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the PSP3 Agreement be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits, the prohibition against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits, which expired on September 30, 2021, the provisions that prohibit the repurchase of AAG common stock and the payment of common stock dividends through at least September 30, 2022, and the provisions that restrict the payment of certain executive compensation until April 1, 2023. As was the case with PSP1 and PSP2, the PSP3 Agreement also imposes substantial reporting obligations on AAG and the Subsidiaries.
Pursuant to the PSP3 Agreement, Treasury provided AAG and the Subsidiaries financial assistance in an aggregate of approximately $3.3 billion. As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under PSP3, AAG issued the PSP3 Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $946 million and issued warrants (each a PSP3 Warrant and, collectively, the PSP3 Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $21.75 per share, subject to adjustment. See below for more information on the PSP3 Warrant Agreement and PSP3 Warrants.
For accounting purposes, the $3.3 billion of aggregate financial assistance AAG and the Subsidiaries received pursuant to the PSP3 Agreement is allocated to the PSP3 Promissory Note, the PSP3 Warrants and other PSP3 financial assistance (the PSP3 Financial Assistance). The $946 million aggregate principal amount of the reclassificationPSP3 Promissory Note was recorded as unsecured long-term debt, and the $46 million total fair value of the PSP3 Warrants, estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was recorded in stockholders' deficit in AAG’s consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount of approximately $2.3 billion of PSP3 Financial Assistance was recognized as a credit to special items, net in the consolidated statements of operations in the second and third quarters of 2021, the period over which the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits was required.
PSP3 Warrant Agreement and PSP3 Warrants
As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP3 Agreement, and pursuant to the PSP3 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued the PSP3 Warrants to Treasury to purchase PSP3 Warrant Shares. The exercise price of the PSP3 Warrant Shares is $21.75 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the difference betweenPSP3 Warrants.
Pursuant to the amount initially chargedPSP3 Warrant Agreement, AAG issued to Treasury PSP3 Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock for an exercise price of $21.75 per share, subject to adjustment.
The PSP3 Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each PSP3 Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such PSP3 Warrant. The PSP3 Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or credited directlycash, at AAG’s option. The PSP3 Warrants were issued solely as compensation to other comprehensivethe U.S. Government related to entry into the PSP3 Agreement. No separate proceeds (apart from the financial assistance described above) were received upon issuance of the PSP3 Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.
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(c) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2019-12: Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740)
This standard simplifies the accounting and disclosure requirements for income attaxes by clarifying the previously enacted U.S. federal corporateexisting guidance to improve consistency in the application of Accounting Standards Codification 740. This standard also removed the requirement to calculate income tax rateexpense for the stand-alone financial statements of wholly-owned subsidiaries that remains in accumulated other comprehensiveare not subject to income tax. American adopted this standard effective January 1, 2021, and it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2021-10: Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance (Topic 832)
This standard provides guidance on the disclosure requirements for business entities receiving government assistance. Specifically, entities are required to disclose information about the nature of the assistance received, including the related accounting, the affected line items on the financial statements and amounts, and the amount that would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income using the newly enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate, excluding the effect ofsignificant terms and conditions, including any valuation allowance previously charged to income from continuing operations.commitments and contingencies. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018,2021, and early adoption is permitted. American will adoptadopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoptionas of the standard may impact tax amounts stranded in accumulated other comprehensive incomeDecember 31, 2021. See (b) Impact of COVID-19 above for disclosure related to American's pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefit plans.the financial assistance American received from Treasury.
(c) Short-term(d) Investments
Short-term investments primarily include debt securities and are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses are recorded in nonoperating expense on American’s consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on American’s consolidated balance sheets. For investments in an unrealized loss position, American determines whether a credit loss exists by considering information about the collectability of the instrument, current market conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions. There have been no credit losses.
(d)Equity investments are accounted for under the equity method if American is able to exercise significant influence over an investee. Equity investments for which American does not have significant influence are recorded at fair value or at cost, if fair value is not readily determinable, with adjustments for observable changes in price or impairments (referred to as the measurement alternative). American’s share of equity method investee’s financial results and changes in fair value are recorded in nonoperating other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 7 for additional information related to American’s investments.
(e) Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments
American has restricted cash and short-term investments related primarily to collateral held to support workers’ compensation obligations.obligations, collateral associated with the payment of interest for the AAdvantage Financing and money market funds to be used to finance a substantial portion of the cost of the renovation and expansion of the Terminal at JFK.
(e)(f) Aircraft Fuel, Spare Parts and Supplies, Net
Aircraft fuel is recorded on a first-in, first-out basis. Spare parts and supplies are recorded at average costs less an allowance for obsolescence. These itemsobsolescence, which is recognized over the weighted average remaining useful life of the related fleet. American also provides an allowance for spare parts and supplies identified as excess or obsolete to reduce the carrying cost to the lower of cost or net realizable value. Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies are expensed when used.
(f)
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(g) Operating Property and Equipment
Operating property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated or amortized to residual values over the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, whichever is less, using the straight-line method. Residual values for aircraft, engines and related rotable parts are generally 5% to 10% of original cost. Costs of major improvements that enhance the usefulness


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

of the asset are capitalized and depreciated or amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, whichever is less. The estimated useful lives for the principal property and equipment classifications are as follows:
Principal Property and Equipment ClassificationEstimated Useful Life
Aircraft, engines and related rotable parts20 – 30 years
Buildings and improvements5 – 30 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment3 – 10 years
Capitalized software5 – 10 years
Total depreciation and amortization expense was $2.3 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and $2.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019.
American assesses impairment onof operating property and equipment when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. An impairment of an asset or group of assets is considered impairedexists only when the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows estimatedexpected to be generated directly by the assets are less than the carrying amount of the assets and the net book value of the assets. American groups assets exceeds their estimated fair value.principally by fleet-type when estimating future cash flows, which is generally the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. Estimates of future cash flows are based on historical results adjusted to reflect management’s best estimate of future market and operating conditions, including American’s current fleet plan. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to becharge recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amountvalue of the assets exceedsexceed their fair value. Fair value reflects management’s best estimate including inputs from published pricing guides and bids from third parties as well as contracted sales agreements when applicable. In 2021, American retired its remaining Embraer 140 fleet and recorded $27 million in non-cash special impairment charges reflecting the difference between the carrying values of these assets and their fair valuevalues.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, prepaid expense and other on the consolidated balance sheets included $29 million and $164 million, respectively, of the assets. Assetsretired aircraft that are expected to be disposedsold in the next year, and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets included $382 million and $400 million, respectively, of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the cost to sell.nonoperating retired aircraft.
Total depreciation and amortization expense was $2.4 billion, $2.1 billion and $1.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(g)(h) Leases
American determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROUright-of-use (ROU) assets, current operating lease liabilities and noncurrent operating lease liabilities inon American’s consolidated balance sheet.sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases and long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities, inon American’s consolidated balance sheet.sheets.
ROU assets represent American’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term.
American uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is derived from information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. American gives consideration to its recent debt issuances as well as publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when calculating its incremental borrowing rates.

American’s lease term includes options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on theits consolidated balance sheet.sheets. American’s lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.
Under certain of American’s capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, American does not own the underlying aircraft. However, since American controls the marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories of these aircraft and therefore control the asset, the aircraft is deemed to be leased for accounting purposes. For these capacity purchase agreements, American accounts for the lease and non-lease components separately. The lease
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component consists of the aircraft and the non-lease components consist of services, such as the crew and maintenance. American allocates the consideration in the capacity purchase agreements to the lease and non-lease components using their estimated relative standalone prices. See Note 10(b) for additional information on its capacity purchase agreements.
For real estate, American accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
(h)(i) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded net as noncurrent deferred income taxes.
American provides a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of its deferred tax assets, will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

generation of future taxable income. American considers all available positive and negative evidence and makes certain assumptions in evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets. Many factors are considered that impact American’s assessment of future profitability, including conditions which are beyond American’s control, such as the health of the economy, the levelavailability and price volatility of aircraft fuel prices and travel demand.
(i)(j) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price overin excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but assessedassumed in connection with the merger with US Airways Group. American has 1 reporting unit. American assesses goodwill for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. American has one consolidated reporting unit.lower than the carrying value. American’s annual assessment date is October 1.
Goodwill is assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment and, if necessary, then comparingassessment. If American determines that it is more likely than not that its goodwill may be impaired, it uses a quantitative approach to assess the asset’s fair value and the amount of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than its carrying value, an impairment, charge equal to the difference is recorded.if any. Based upon American’s annual assessment, there was no goodwill impairment in 2018.2021. The carrying value of theAmerican’s goodwill on American’sits consolidated balance sheets was $4.1 billion as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017.2020.
(j)(k) Other Intangibles, Net
Intangible assets consist primarily of certain domestic airport slots and gate leasehold rights, customer relationships, marketing agreements, international slots and route authorities airport gate leasehold rights and tradenames.
Finite-LivedDefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-livedDefinite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their acquired fair values, subsequently amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewedare assessed for impairment whenever events or changes inand circumstances indicate that the carrying valueassets may not be recoverable.impaired.
The following table provides information relating to American’s amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 20182021 and 20172020 (in millions):
 December 31,
 20212020
Domestic airport slots$365 $365 
Customer relationships300 300 
Marketing agreements105 105 
Tradenames35 35 
Airport gate leasehold rights137 137 
Accumulated amortization(786)(745)
Total$156 $197 
167

 December 31,
 2018 2017
Domestic airport slots$365
 $365
Customer relationships300
 300
Marketing agreements105
 105
Tradenames35
 35
Airport gate leasehold rights137
 137
Accumulated amortization(663) (622)
Total$279
 $320
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Certain domestic airport slots and airport gate leasehold rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years. The customer relationships and marketing agreements were identified as intangible assets subject to amortization and are amortized on a straight-line basis over approximately nine years and 30 years, respectively. Tradenames are fully amortized.
American recorded amortization expense related to these intangible assets of $41 million $44 million and $76 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016, respectively.2019. American expects to record annual amortization expense for these intangible assets as follows (in millions):
2019$41
202041
202141
202241
20237
2024 and thereafter108
Total$279


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

2022$41 
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027 and thereafter88 
Total$156 
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets include certain domestic airport slots at American’s hubs and international slots and route authorities. Indefinite-livedAmerican assesses indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but instead are assessed for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. For both periods as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, American had $1.9 billionfair values of indefinite-lived intangible assets on its consolidated balance sheets.
In the second quarter of 2018, American recorded a $26 million impairment charge on a Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement, whichmay be lower than their carrying values. American’s annual assessment date is included within special items, net on its consolidated statement of operations.October 1.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment to determine whetherassessment. If American believesdetermines that it is more likely than not that an asset has been impaired. Ifits indefinite-lived intangible assets may be impaired, American believes impairment has occurred, American then evaluates for impairment by comparinguses a quantitative approach to assess the estimatedasset’s fair value and the amount of assets to the carrying value. An impairment, charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value is less than its carrying value.any. Based upon American’s annual assessment, there were no additional indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments in 2018 other than the Brazil route authority described above.
(k) Revenue Recognition
Revenue
Effective January 1, 2018,2021. American adopted the New Revenue Standard using the full retrospective method, which resulted in the recasthad $1.8 billion of prior reporting periods. Refer to “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 1(b) for the effects of the adoptionindefinite-lived intangible assets on American’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and on American’sits consolidated balance sheetsheets as of December 31, 2017.Under the New2021 and 2020.
(l) Revenue Standard, revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised products or services to American’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those products or services.Recognition
Revenue
The following are the significant categories comprising American’s reported operating revenues (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Passenger revenue:
Passenger travel$23,896 $13,456 $38,831 
Loyalty revenue - travel (1)
2,167 1,062 3,179 
Total passenger revenue26,063 14,518 42,010 
Cargo1,314 769 863 
Other:
Loyalty revenue - marketing services (2)
2,166 1,825 2,361 
Other revenue337 223 527 
Total other revenue2,503 2,048 2,888 
Total operating revenues$29,880 $17,335 $45,761 
 2018 2017 2016
Passenger revenue:     
Passenger travel$37,457
 $36,152
 $34,278
Loyalty revenue - travel (1)
3,219
 2,979
 2,767
Total passenger revenue40,676
 39,131
 37,045
Cargo1,013
 890
 785
Other:     
Loyalty revenue - marketing services2,352
 2,124
 1,872
Other revenue489
 465
 423
Total other revenue2,841
 2,589
 2,295
Total operating revenues$44,530
 $42,610
 $40,125
(1)Loyalty revenue included in passenger revenue is principally comprised of mileage credit redemptions, which were earned from travel or co-branded credit card and other partners. See “Loyalty Revenue” below for further discussion on these mileage credits.
(1)
(2)During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, cash payments from co-branded credit card and other partners were $3.4 billion, $2.9 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively.
168


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Loyalty revenue included in passenger revenue is principally comprised of mileage credit redemptions earned through travel and mileage credits sold to co-branded credit card and other partners. See “Loyalty Revenue” below for further discussion on these mileage credits.
The following is American’s total passenger revenue by geographic region (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Domestic$29,573
 $28,749
 $27,202
Latin America5,125
 4,840
 4,676
Atlantic4,376
 4,028
 3,873
Pacific1,602
 1,514
 1,294
Total passenger revenue$40,676
 $39,131
 $37,045


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Domestic$21,453 $11,765 $30,881 
Latin America3,506 1,852 5,047 
Atlantic965 654 4,624 
Pacific139 247 1,458 
Total passenger revenue$26,063 $14,518 $42,010 
American attributes passenger revenue by geographic region based upon the origin and destination of each flight segment.
Passenger Revenue
American recognizes all revenues generated from transportation on American and its regional flights operated under the brand name American Eagle, including associated baggage fees, ticketing change fees and other inflight services, as passenger revenue when transportation is provided. Ticket and other related sales for transportation that has not yet been provided are initially deferred and recorded as air traffic liability on American’s consolidated balance sheets. The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel.
The majority of tickets sold are nonrefundable. A small percentage of tickets, some of which are partially used tickets, expire unused. Due to complex pricing structures, refund and exchange policies, and interline agreements with other airlines, certain amounts are recognized in passenger revenue using estimates regarding both the timing of the revenue recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are generally based on the analysis of American’s historical data. American has consistently applied this accounting method to estimate revenue from forfeitedunused tickets at the date of travel. Estimated future refunds and exchanges included in the air traffic liability are routinely evaluated based on subsequent activity to validate the accuracy of American’s estimates. Any adjustments resulting from periodic evaluations of the estimated air traffic liability are included in passenger revenue during the period in which the evaluations are completed.
Various taxes and fees assessed on the sale of tickets to end customers are collected by American as an agent and remitted to taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and recorded as a liability until remitted to the appropriate taxing authority.
Loyalty Revenue
American currently operates the loyalty program, AAdvantage. This program awards mileage credits to passengers who fly on American, any oneworld airline or other partner airlines, or by using the services of other program participants, such as the Citi and Barclaycard USAmerican’s co-branded credit cards, and certain hotels and car rental companies. Mileage credits can be redeemed for travel on American and other participating partner airlines, as well as other non-air travel awards such as hotels and rental cars. For mileage credits earned by AAdvantage loyalty program members, American applies the deferred revenue method in accordance withmethod. In response to the New Revenue Standard.COVID-19 pandemic, American suspended the expiration of mileage credits through March 31, 2022 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets.
Mileage credits earned through travel
For mileage credits earned through travel, American applies a relative selling price approach whereby the total amount collected from each passenger ticket sale is allocated between the air transportation and the mileage credits earned. The portion of each passenger ticket sale attributable to mileage credits earned is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided. The estimated selling price of mileage credits is determined using an equivalent ticket value approach, which uses historical data, including award redemption patterns by geographic region and class of service, as well as similar fares as those used to settle award redemptions. The estimated selling price of miles is adjusted for an estimate of milesmileage credits that will not be redeemed using a statistical model based on historical redemption patterns.patterns to develop an estimate of the likelihood of future redemption. Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, American will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust its estimates in the future.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Mileage credits sold to co-branded credit cards and other partners
American sells mileage credits to participating airline partners and non-airline business partners, including American’s co-branded credit card partners, under contracts with terms extending generally for one to ninefive years. Consideration received from the sale of mileage credits is variable and payment terms typically are within 30 days subsequent to the month of mileage sale. Sales of mileage credits to non-airline business partners are comprised of two2 components, transportation and marketing. American allocates the consideration received from these sales of mileage credits based on the relative selling price of each product or service delivered.
American’s most significant partner agreements are its co-branded credit card agreements with Citi and Barclaycard US that American entered into in 2016.US. American identified the following revenue elements in these co-branded credit card agreements: the transportation component; and the use of intellectual property, including the American brand and access to loyalty program member lists, which is the predominant element in the agreements, as well as advertising (collectively, the marketing component). Accordingly, American recognizes the marketing component in other revenue in the period of the mileage sale following the sales-based royalty method.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

The transportation component represents the estimated selling price of future travel awards and is determined using the same equivalent ticket value approach described above. The portion of each mileage credit sold attributable to transportation is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided.
For the portion of American’s outstanding mileage credits that it estimates will not be redeemed, American recognizes the associated value proportionally as the remaining mileage credits are redeemed. American’s estimates areuse a statistical model based on analysishistorical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of historical redemptions.the likelihood of future redemption.
Cargo Revenue
Cargo revenue is recognized when American provides the transportation.
Other Revenue
Other revenue includes revenue associated with American’s loyalty program, which is comprised principally of the marketing component of mileage sales to co-branded credit card and other partners and other marketing related payments. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, loyaltyLoyalty revenue included in other revenue was $2.2 billion, $1.8 billion and $2.4 billion $2.1 billionfor the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and $1.9 billion,2019, respectively. The accounting and recognition for the loyalty program marketing services are discussed above in “Loyalty Revenue.” The remaining amounts included within other revenue relate to airport clubs, advertising and vacation-related services.
Contract Balances
American’s significant contract liabilities are comprised of (1) outstanding loyalty program mileage credits that may be redeemed for future travel and other non-air travel awards, reported as loyalty program liability on American’s consolidated balance sheetsheets and (2) ticket sales for transportation that has not yet been provided, reported as air traffic liability on American’s consolidated balance sheet.sheets.
December 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Loyalty program liability$9,135 $9,195 
Air traffic liability6,087 4,757 
Total$15,222 $13,952 
170

 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in millions)
Loyalty program liability$8,539
 $8,822
Air traffic liability4,339
 4,042
Total$12,878
 $12,864
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
The balance of the loyalty program liability fluctuates based on seasonal patterns, which impact the volume of mileage credits issued through travel or sold to co-branded credit card and other partners (deferral of revenue) and mileage credits redeemed (recognition of revenue). Changes in loyalty program liability are as follows (in millions):
Balance at December 31, 2017$8,822
Deferral of revenue3,083
Recognition of revenue (1)
(3,366)
Balance at December 31, 2018 (2)
$8,539
Balance at December 31, 2020$9,195 
Deferral of revenue2,161 
Recognition of revenue (1)
(2,221)
Balance at December 31, 2021 (2)
$9,135 
(1)
(1)Principally relates to revenue recognized from the redemption of mileage credits for both air and non-air travel awards. Mileage credits are combined in one homogenous pool and are not separately identifiable. As such, the revenue is comprised of miles that were part of the loyalty program deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period, as well as miles that were issued during the period.
(2)Mileage credits can be redeemed at any time and generally do not expire as long as that AAdvantage member has any type of qualifying activity at least every 18 months. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, American suspended the expiration of mileage credits through March 31, 2022 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets. As of December 31, 2021, American’s current loyalty program liability was $2.9 billion and represents American’s current estimate of revenue expected to be recognized in the next 12 months based on historical as well as projected trends, with the balance reflected in long-term loyalty program liability expected to be recognized as revenue in periods thereafter. Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, American will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust its estimates in the future.
Principally relates to revenue recognized from the redemption of mileage credits for both air and non-air travel awards. Mileage credits are combined in one homogenous pool and are not separately identifiable. As such, the revenue is comprised of miles that were part of the loyalty program deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period, as well as miles that were issued during the period.
(2)
Mileage credits can be redeemed at any time and do not expire as long as that AAdvantage member has any type of qualifying activity at least every 18 months. As of December 31, 2018, American’s current loyalty program liability was $3.3 billion and represents American’s current estimate of revenue expected to be recognized in the next twelve months based on historical trends, with the balance reflected in long-term loyalty program liability expected to be recognized as revenue in periods thereafter.
The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel. The balance in American’s air traffic liability also


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

fluctuates with seasonal travel patterns. The contract duration of passenger tickets is generally one year. Accordingly, any revenue associated with tickets sold for future travel will be recognized within twelve12 months. For 2018, $3.12021, $1.7 billion of revenue was recognized in passenger revenue that was included in American’s air traffic liability at December 31, 2017.2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, American extended the contract duration for certain tickets to March 31, 2022, principally those tickets which were scheduled to expire from March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Additionally, tickets to certain international destinations have extended contract duration to December 31, 2022. American also has eliminated change fees for most domestic and international tickets providing more flexibility for customers to change travel plans. Given these changes and the uncertainty surrounding the future demand for air travel, American’s estimates of revenue that will be recognized from the air traffic liability for future flown or unused tickets as well as its estimates of refunds may be subject to variability and differ from historical experience.
With respect toAmerican’s ticket contract receivables relate to ticket sales to individual passengers primarily through the use of major credit cards and are reflected as accounts receivable, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, these primarily include receivables for tickets sold to individual passengers through the use of major credit cards.sheets. These receivables are short-term, mostly settled within seven days after sale. Bad debtAll accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for credit losses, which have been minimal inminimal. American considers past and future financial and qualitative factors when establishing the past, have been considered in establishing allowancesallowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses.
(l)(m) Maintenance, Materials and Repairs
Maintenance and repair costs for owned and leased flight equipment are charged to operating expense as incurred, except costs incurred for maintenance and repair under flight hour maintenance contract agreements, which are accrued based on contractual terms when an obligation exists.
(m)(n) Selling Expenses
Selling expenses include credit card fees, commissions, computerized reservations systemsthird party distribution channel fees and advertising. Selling expenses associated with passenger revenue are expensed when the transportation or service is provided. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $128$105 million, $135$57 million and $116$144 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively.
(n)
171

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
(o) Share-based Compensation
American accounts for its share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock award at the time of grant, which is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the stock award. CertainThe majority of American’s stock awards have performance conditions that must be achieved prior to vestingare time vested restricted stock units, and are expensed based on the expected achievement at each reporting period. The fair value of stock appreciation rights is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock unitssuch awards is based on the market price of the underlying shares of AAG common stock on the date of grant. See Note 13 for further discussion of share-based compensation.
(o)(p) Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
Foreign currency gains and losses are recorded as part of other income, net within total nonoperating expense, net inon American’s consolidated statements of operations. ForeignFor the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, foreign currency losses for 2018 and 2017 were $54 millionand $4 million, respectively,$24 million and for 2016, foreign currency gains were $1$32 million.
(p)(q) Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses includes costs associated with ground and cargo handling, crew travel, aircraft food and catering, aircraft cleaning, passenger accommodation, airport security, international navigation fees and certain general and administrative expenses.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

(q)(r) Regional Expenses
American's regional carriers provide scheduled air transportation under the brand name “American Eagle.” The American Eagle carriers include AAG's wholly-owned regional carriers as well as third-party regional carriers. Substantially all of American's regional carrier arrangements are in the form of capacity purchase agreements. Expenses associated with American Eagle operations are classified as regional expenses on American’sthe consolidated statements of operations.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2021, aircraft fuel and related taxes as well as certain salaries, wages and benefits, other rent and landing fees, selling and other expenses are no longer allocated to regional expenses on American's consolidated statements of operations. The 2020 consolidated statement of operations has been recast to conform to the 2021 presentation. This statement of operations presentation change has no impact on total operating expenses or net loss.
Regional expenses consistfor the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 include $263 million, $273 million and $286 million of depreciation and amortization, respectively, and $6 million, $13 million and $29 million of aircraft rent, respectively.
In 2021, 2020, and 2019, American recognized $495 million, $438 million and $590 million, respectively, of expense under its capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airways Inc. (Republic). American holds a 25% equity interest in Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Holdings), the following (in millions):parent company of Republic.
172
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Aircraft fuel and related taxes$1,843
 $1,382
 $1,109
Salaries, wages and benefits338
 356
 327
Capacity purchases from third-party regional carriers (1)
3,267
 3,283
 3,186
Maintenance, materials and repairs8
 7
 4
Other rent and landing fees583
 602
 487
Aircraft rent27
 27
 28
Selling expenses369
 361
 347
Depreciation and amortization267
 262
 237
Special items, net
 3
 13
Other362
 289
 271
Total regional expenses$7,064
 $6,572
 $6,009

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
(1)
In 2018, American recognized $565 million of expense under its capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airline Inc. (Republic). American holds a 25% equity interest in Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Holdings), the parent company of Republic.
2. Special Items, Net
Special items, net on American’s consolidated statements of operations consisted of the following (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Fleet restructuring expenses (1)
$422
 $232
 $177
Merger integration expenses (2)
268
 273
 514
Severance expenses (3)
58
 
 
Litigation settlement (4)
45
 
 
Intangible asset impairment (5)
26
 
 
Labor contract expenses13
 46
 
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (6)
(76) 27
 25
Employee 2017 Tax Act bonus expense (7)

 123
 
Other operating charges (credits), net31
 11
 (7)
Mainline operating special items, net787
 712
 709
Regional operating special items, net
 3
 13
Operating special items, net787
 715
 722
      
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity investments, net (8)
104
 
 
Debt refinancing and extinguishment charges13
 22
 49
Other nonoperating credits, net(4) 
 
Nonoperating special items, net113
 22
 49
      
Income tax special items (9)
18
 
 
Impact of the 2017 Tax Act (10)

 924
 
Income tax special items, net18
 924
 
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
PSP Financial Assistance (1)
$(4,162)$(3,710)$— 
Severance expenses (2)
168 1,408 11 
Litigation reserve adjustments(19)— (53)
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net (3)
(3)(49)(11)
Fleet impairment (4)
— 1,484 213 
Labor contract expenses (5)
— 228 — 
Fleet restructuring expenses (6)
— — 271 
Merger integration expenses (7)
— — 191 
Other operating special items, net10 (18)13 
Mainline operating special items, net(4,006)(657)635 
PSP Financial Assistance (1)
(539)(444)— 
Fleet impairment (4)
27 106 — 
Regional operating special items, net(512)(338)— 
Operating special items, net(4,518)(995)635 
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net (8)
31 135 (5)
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net29 35 16 
Nonoperating special items, net60 170 11 
(1)The 2021 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP2 and PSP3 Agreements. See Note 1(b) for further information. The 2020 PSP Financial Assistance represents recognition of a portion of the financial assistance received from Treasury pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement.
(2)The 2021 and 2020 severance expenses include salary and medical costs primarily associated with certain team members who opted into voluntary early retirement programs offered as a result of reductions to American's operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash payments primarily associated with American's voluntary early retirement programs were approximately $520 million and $365 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The 2019 severance expenses primarily included costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members.
(3)Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of AAG common stock are marked-to-market based on AAG’s stock price.
(4)Fleet impairment charges resulted from the retirement of certain aircraft earlier than planned driven by the severe decline in air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, American retired its remaining Embraer 140 fleet resulting in a non-cash write-down of these regional aircraft. See Note 1(g) for further information related to these charges.
In 2020, American retired its entire Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 fleets as well as certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft resulting in a $1.5 billion non-cash write-down of mainline and regional aircraft and associated spare parts and $109 million in cash charges primarily for impairment of ROU assets and lease return costs.
The 2019 fleet impairment principally included a non-cash write-down of aircraft related to the retirement of American’s Embraer 190 fleet.
(5)The 2020 labor contract expenses primarily related to one-time charges due to the ratification of a new contract with the Transport Workers Union and International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (TWU-IAM

173



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

Association) for American's maintenance and fleet service team members, including signing bonuses and adjustments to vacation accruals resulting from pay rate increases.
(6)Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and rent expense for aircraft and related equipment expected to be retired earlier than planned.
(7)Merger integration expenses included costs associated with integration projects, principally American's technical operations, flight attendant, human resources and payroll systems.
(8)Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net primarily related to net unrealized gains and losses associated with American’s equity investments in China Southern Airlines Company Limited (China Southern Airlines) and in 2021, Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (Vertical), and certain treasury rate lock derivative instruments.
(1)
Fleet restructuring expenses principally included accelerated depreciation and rent expense for aircraft and related equipment grounded or expected to be grounded earlier than planned.
(2)
Merger integration expenses included costs associated with integration projects, principally American's flight attendant, human resources and payroll, and technical operations systems.
(3)
Severance expenses primarily included costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members.
(4)
Settlement of a private party antitrust lawsuit. See Note 10(e) - “Private Party Antitrust Action Related to Passenger Capacity” for further discussion.
(5)
Intangible asset impairment includes a non-cash charge to write-off American’s Brazil route authority as a result of the U.S.-Brazil open skies agreement.
(6)
Bankruptcy obligations that will be settled in shares of AAG common stock are marked-to-market based on AAG’s stock price.
(7)
Employee bonus expense included costs related to the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in recognition of the 2017 Tax Act.
(8)
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity investments relate to net unrealized losses primarily associated with American’s equity investments in China Southern Airlines and Mesa Air Group, Inc.
(9)
Income tax special items for 2018 included an $18 million charge related to an international income tax matter.
(10)
Impact of the 2017 Tax Act includes a $924 million non-cash charge to income tax expense to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on the Company’s deferred tax asset and liabilities resulting from the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
3. Debt
Long-term debt included in theon American’s consolidated balance sheets consisted of (in millions):
 December 31,
 2018 2017
Secured   
2013 Credit Facilities, variable interest rate of 4.26%, installments through 2025 (a)
$1,825
 $1,825
2014 Credit Facilities, variable interest rate of 4.39%, installments through 2021 (a)
1,215
 728
April 2016 Credit Facilities, variable interest rate of 4.52%, installments through 2023 (a)
980
 990
December 2016 Credit Facilities, variable interest rate of 4.46%, installments through 2023 (a)
1,225
 1,238
Aircraft enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs), fixed interest rates ranging from 3.00% to 9.01%, averaging 4.21%, maturing from 2019 to 2029 (b)
11,648
 11,881
Equipment loans and other notes payable, fixed and variable interest rates ranging from 2.34% to 8.48%, averaging 4.26%, maturing from 2019 to 2030 (c)
5,060
 5,259
Special facility revenue bonds, fixed interest rates of 5.00%, maturing from 2019 to 2031769
 828
Other secured obligations
 1
Total long-term debt22,722
 22,750
Less: Total unamortized debt discount, premium and issuance costs219
 227
Less: Current maturities2,466
 1,980
Long-term debt, net of current maturities$20,037
 $20,543
The table below shows the maximum availability under revolving credit facilities, all of which were undrawn, as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
 December 31,
 20212020
Secured
2013 Term Loan Facility, variable interest rate of 1.85%, installments through 2025 (a)
$1,770 $1,788 
2013 Revolving Facility (a)
— 750 
2014 Term Loan Facility, variable interest rate of 1.85%, installments through 2027 (a)
1,208 1,220 
2014 Revolving Facility (a)
— 1,643 
April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility (a)
— 960 
April 2016 Revolving Facility (a)
— 450 
December 2016 Term Loan Facility, variable interest rate of 2.11%, installments through 2023 (a)
1,188 1,200 
11.75% senior secured notes, interest only payments until due in July 2025 (b)
2,500 2,500 
10.75% senior secured IP notes, interest only payments until due in February 2026 (b)
1,000 1,000 
10.75% senior secured LGA/DCA notes, interest only payments until due in February 2026 (b)
200 200 
Treasury Term Loan Facility (c)
— 550 
5.50% senior secured notes, installments beginning in July 2023 until due in April 2026 (d)
3,500 — 
5.75% senior secured notes, installments beginning in July 2026 until due in April 2029 (d)
3,000 — 
AAdvantage Term Loan Facility, variable interest rate of 5.50%, installments beginning in July 2023 through April 2028 (d)
3,500 — 
Enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs), fixed interest rates ranging from 2.88% to 8.39%, averaging 3.84%, maturing from 2022 to 2034 (e)
9,357 11,013 
Equipment loans and other notes payable, fixed and variable interest rates ranging from 1.27% to 4.64%, averaging 1.82%, maturing from 2022 to 20323,433 4,417 
Special facility revenue bonds, fixed interest rates ranging from 2.25% to 5.38%, maturing from 2026 to 2036 (f)
1,129 1,040 
Total long-term debt31,785 28,731 
Less: Total unamortized debt discount, premium and issuance costs428 321 
Less: Current maturities1,568 2,700 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities$29,789 $25,710 

174



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

As of December 31, 2021, the maximum availability under American’s revolving credit and other facilities is as follows (in millions):
2013 Revolving Facility$750 
2014 Revolving Facility1,643 
April 2016 Revolving Facility450 
Short-term Revolving and Other Facilities568 
Total$3,411 
2013 Revolving Facility$1,000
2014 Revolving Facility1,543
April 2016 Revolving Facility300
Total$2,843
American has an undrawn $500 million short-term revolving credit facility, which was set to expire at the beginning of January 2022 but which has been extended through the beginning of January 2023. Beginning January 2, 2022, the available amount thereunder decreased to $150 million. American also currently has approximately $68 million of available borrowing base under a cargo receivables facility that was entered into in December 2020 and is set to expire in December 2022. The December 2016 Credit Facilities provide for a revolving credit facility that may be established thereunder in the future.
Secured financings, including revolving credit and other facilities, are collateralized by assets, consisting primarily of aircraft, engines, simulators, aircraft spare parts, airport gate leasehold rights, route authorities, airport slots, certain receivables, certain intellectual property and pre-delivery payments.certain loyalty program assets.
At December 31, 2018,2021, the maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in millions):
2019$2,508
20201,815
20213,409
20221,344
20233,892
2024 and thereafter9,754
Total$22,722
2022$1,637 
20234,167 
20243,467 
20257,749 
20264,412 
2027 and thereafter10,353 
Total$31,785 
(a) 2013, 2014, April 2016 and December 2016 Credit Facilities
2013 Credit Facilities
In May 2018,November 2019, American and AAG entered into a Fourththe Sixth Amendment (the Fourth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement) to the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amending the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of May 21, 2015 which amended and restated the Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 27, 2013 (as previously amended, the 2013 Credit Agreement,Agreement; the revolving credit facility established thereunder, the 2013 Revolving Facility,Facility; the term loan facility established thereunder, the 2013 Term Loan Facility,Facility; and the 2013 Revolving Facility together with the 2013 Term Loan Facility, the 2013 Credit Facilities), pursuant to which American refinanced $1.8 billion of the existing term loans outstanding under the 2013 Credit Facilities with proceeds of term loans incurred under the Fourth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement (the 2013 Replacement Term Loans). The LIBOR margin on the 2013 Replacement Term Loans was reduced from 2.00% to 1.75% and the base rate margin on the 2013 Replacement Term Loans was reduced from 1.00% to 0.75%. Additionally, the maturity date of the 2013 Replacement Term Loans was extended to June 2025 pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement.
In December 2018, American and AAG entered into a Fifth Amendment (the Fifth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement) to the 2013 Credit Agreement, as previously amended by the Fourth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement, adjustments to the 2013 Revolving Facility were made, including reducing the total aggregate commitments under the 2013 Revolving Facility by $200to $750 million extendingfrom $1.0 billion. In addition, certain lenders party to the 2013 Credit Agreement extended the maturity date forof their commitments under the revolver loans thereunder2013 Revolving Facility to October 2024 from October 20222023.
In March 2021, American repaid in full the $750 million of outstanding revolving loans under the 2013 Revolving Facility that was drawn in April 2020. Following the March 2021 repayment, American is able to October 2023 and reducingdraw upon the LIBOR margin from 2.25% to 2.00% andcommitment under the base rate margin from 1.25% to 1.00% for certain2013 Revolving Facility again as needed upon the terms of the lenders of the revolver loans thereunder.2013 Credit Agreement or leave it undrawn, in each case, until such commitment expires, which is currently scheduled to occur in October 2024. As of December 31, 2018,2021, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the 2013 Revolving Facility.
175


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
2014 Credit Facilities
In September 2018,November 2019, American and AAG entered into a Fifththe Seventh Amendment (the Fifth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement) to the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amending the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of April 20, 2015, which amended and restated the Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of October 10, 2014 (as previously amended, the 2014 Credit Agreement,Agreement; the revolving credit facility established thereunder, the 2014 Revolving Facility,Facility; the term loan facility established thereunder, the 2014 Term Loan Facility,Facility; and the 2014 Revolving Facility together with the 2014 Term Loan Facility, the 2014 Credit Facilities). The Fifth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement provides for incremental term loans in the amount of $500 million under the 2014 Term Loan Facility. The terms of such incremental term loans are substantially similar to the terms of the existing term loans under the 2014 Term Loan Facility, including those with regard to maturity and interest rate margins. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $1.2 billion was outstanding under the 2014 Term Loan Facility.
In December 2018, American and AAG entered into a Sixth Amendment (the Sixth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement) to the 2014 Credit Agreement, as previously amended by the Fifth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

Pursuant to the Sixth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement, adjustments to the 2014 Revolving Facility were made, including increasing which increased the total aggregate commitments under the 2014 Revolving Facility by approximately $543 million, extendingto $1.6 billion from $1.5 billion. In addition, certain lenders party to the 2014 Credit Agreement extended the maturity date of their commitments under the 2014 Revolving Facility to October 2024 from October 2023.
In January 2020, American and AAG entered into the Eighth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement, pursuant to which American refinanced the 2014 Term Loan Facility, increasing the total aggregate principal amount outstanding to $1.2 billion, reducing the LIBOR margin from 2.00% to 1.75%, with a LIBOR floor of 0%, and reducing the base rate margin from 1.00% to 0.75%. In addition, the maturity date for the revolver loans thereunder2014 Term Loan Facility was extended to January 2027 from October 20222021.
In March 2021, American repaid in full the $1.6 billion of outstanding revolving loans under the 2014 Revolving Facility that was drawn in April and May 2020. Following the March 2021 repayment, American is able to October 2023 and reducingdraw upon the LIBOR margin from 2.25% to 2.00% andcommitment under the base rate margin from 1.25% to 1.00% for certain2014 Revolving Facility again as needed upon the terms of the lenders of the revolver loans thereunder. In addition to the slots, gates and routes (SGR) between airports in the United States and LHR previously pledged as collateral for the 2014 Credit Facilities, SGR between airportsAgreement or leave it undrawn, in the United States and other countrieseach case, until such commitment expires, which is currently scheduled to occur in the European Union were added as collateral under the 2014 Credit Facilities pursuant to the Sixth Amendment to the 2014 Credit Agreement.October 2024. As of December 31, 2018,2021, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the 2014 Revolving Facility.Facility.
April 2016 Credit Facilities
In December 2018,November 2019, American and AAG entered into a Fourththe Fifth Amendment (the Fourth Amendment to the April 2016 Credit Agreement) to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amending the Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of April 29, 2016 (as previously amended, the April 2016 Credit Agreement, andAgreement; the revolving credit facility established thereunder, the April 2016 Revolving Facility,Facility; the term loan facility established thereunder, the April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan FacilityFacility; and the April 2016 April Revolving Facility together with the April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility, the April 2016 Credit Facilities). Pursuant, which increased the total aggregate commitments under the April 2016 Revolving Facility to the Fourth Amendment$450 million from $300 million. In addition, certain lenders party to the April 2016 Credit Agreement adjustments toextended the maturity date of their commitments under the April 2016 Revolving Facility were made, including extending the maturity dateto October 2024 from October 20222023.
In March 2021, American repaid in full the $450 million of outstanding revolving loans under the April 2016 Revolving Facility that was drawn in April 2020. Following the March 2021 repayment, American is able to October 2023 fordraw upon the revolver loans established thereunder and reducingcommitment under the LIBOR margin from 2.25% to 2.00% andApril 2016 Revolving Facility again as needed upon the base rate margin from 1.25% to 1.00% for certainterms of the lendersApril 2016 Credit Agreement or leave it undrawn, in each case, until such commitment expires, which is currently scheduled to occur in October 2024.
On July 22, 2021, American repaid in full the $950 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding term loans under, and terminated, the revolver loans thereunder.April 2016 Spare Parts Term Loan Facility. The April 2016 Revolving Facility, in an available aggregate principal amount of $450 million, remains in place. As of December 31, 2018,2021, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the April 2016 Revolving Facility.
December 2016 Credit Facilities
In November 2017,December 2016, American and AAG entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amending the Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2016 pursuant to which American refinanced(as amended, the $1.3 billionDecember 2016 Credit Agreement; the term loan facility due December 2023 established thereunder, (thethe December 2016 Term Loan Facility,Facility; and together with athe revolving credit facility that may be established thereunder in the future, the December 2016 Credit Facilities), to reduce the LIBOR margin from 2.50% to 2.00% and the base rate margin from 1.50% to 1.00%.
176


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Certain details of American’s 2013 Credit Facilities, 2014 Credit Facilities, April 2016 Credit Facilities and December 2016 Credit Facilities (collectively referred to as the Credit Facilities) are shown in the table below as of December 31, 2018:2021:
2013 Credit Facilities 2014 Credit Facilities April 2016 Credit Facilities December 2016 Credit Facilities 2013 Credit Facilities2014 Credit FacilitiesApril 2016 Credit FacilitiesDecember 2016 Credit Facilities
2013 Replacement Term Loan 2013 
Revolving Facility
 2014 Term
Loan
 2014 
Revolving Facility
 April 2016
Term Loan
 April 2016
Revolving Facility
 December 2016 Term Loan 2013 Term Loan2013 
Revolving Facility
2014 Term Loan2014 
Revolving
Facility
April 2016 
Revolving
Facility
December 2016 Term Loan
Aggregate principal issued or credit facility availability (in millions)$1,900 $1,000 $1,250 $1,543 $1,000 $300 $1,250Aggregate principal issued
or credit facility availability
(in millions)
$1,919$750$1,280$1,643$450$1,250
Principal outstanding or drawn (in millions)$1,825 $— $1,215 $— $980 $— $1,225Principal outstanding or
drawn (in millions)
$1,770$—$1,208$—$—$1,188
Maturity dateJune 2025 October 2023 October 2021 October 2023 April 2023 October 2023 December 2023Maturity dateJune 2025October 2024January 2027October 2024October 2024December 2023
LIBOR margin1.75% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%LIBOR margin1.75%2.00%1.75%2.00%2.00%2.00%
The term loans under each of the Credit Facilities are repayable in annual installments in an amount equal to 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount issued, with any unpaid balance due on the respective maturity dates. Voluntary prepayments may be made by American at any time.
The 2013 Revolving Facility, 2014 Revolving Facility and April 2016 Revolving Facility provide that American may from time to time borrow, repay and reborrow loans thereunder. The 2013 Revolving Facility and 2014 Revolving Facility have the ability to issue letters of credit thereunder in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time up to $100 million and $200 million, respectively. The 2013 Revolving Facility, 2014 Revolving Facility and April 2016 Revolving Facility are each subject to an undrawn annual fee of 0.63%. As of December 31, 2018, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the 2013 Revolving Facility, 2014 Revolving Facility or April 2016 Revolving Facility. The December 2016 Credit Facilities provide for a revolving credit facility that may be established thereunder in the future.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, the Credit Facilities are secured by collateral, including certain spare parts, certain slots, certain route authorities, certain simulators and certain leasehold rights. American has the ability to make future modifications to the collateral pledged, subject to certain restrictions. American’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed by AAG. American is required to maintain a certain minimum ratio of appraised value of the collateral to the outstanding loans as further described below in Collateral-RelatedCertain Covenants.”
The Credit Facilities contain events of default customary for similar financings, including cross default to other material indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding obligations may be accelerated and become due and payable immediately. In addition, if a “change of control” occurs, American will (absent an amendment or waiver) be required to repay at par the loans outstanding under the Credit Facilities and terminate the 2013 Revolving Facility, 2014 Revolving Facility and April 2016 Revolving Facility and any revolving credit facility established under the December 2016 Credit Facilities. The Credit Facilities also include covenants that, among other things, require AAG to maintain a minimuman aggregate liquidity (as defined in the Credit Facilities) of not less thanat least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and limit the ability of AAG and its restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends and make certain other payments, make certain investments, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens on the collateral, dispose of the collateral, enter into certain affiliate transactions and engage in certain business activities, in each case subject to certain exceptions.
(b) EETCsSenior Secured Notes
Below11.75% Senior Secured Notes
In June 2020, American issued $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 11.75% senior secured notes due 2025 (the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes) at a price equal to 99% of their aggregate principal amount. The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.75% per annum (subject to increase if the collateral coverage ratio described below is not met). Interest on the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, which began on January 15, 2021. The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes will mature on July 15, 2025. The obligations of American under the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a discussionsenior unsecured basis by AAG.
177


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of June 30, 2020 (the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Indenture), by and among American, AAG and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee). The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes are American’s senior secured obligations. Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes are secured on a first-lien basis by security interests in certain assets, rights and properties utilized by American in providing its scheduled air carrier services to and from certain airports in the United States and certain airports in Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Switzerland (collectively, the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral). American’s obligations with respect to the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes are also secured on a second-lien basis by security interests in certain assets, rights and properties utilized by American in providing its scheduled air carrier services to and from certain airports in the United States and certain airports in the European Union and the United Kingdom (collectively, the Second Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and together with the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral, the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral). American may be required to pledge additional collateral in the future under the terms of the 2018 aircraft financing activities resulting11.75% Senior Secured Notes, and in certain circumstances may elect to pledge additional collateral as a replacement for existing collateral. The Second Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral also secures the 2014 Credit Facilities on a first-lien basis.
American may redeem the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes, in whole at any time or in part from EETC issuances.
2017-2 EETCstime to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes being redeemed plus a make whole premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to (but not including) the redemption date.
In the event of a specified change of control, each holder of 11.75% Senior Secured Notes may require American to repurchase its 11.75% Senior Secured Notes in whole or in part at a repurchase price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to (but not including) the repurchase date.
American is required to deliver an appraisal of the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and officer’s certificate on a semi-annual basis demonstrating the calculation of a collateral coverage ratio in relation to the First Lien 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral as of the end of each semi-annual period based on such appraisal. If American fails to deliver the officer’s certificate in a timely manner or the collateral coverage ratio is less than 1.6 to 1.0 as of the end of the semi-annual period, then, subject to an opportunity to cure the deficiency in the collateral coverage ratio, American will be required to pay special interest in an additional amount equal to 2.0% per annum of the outstanding principal amount of the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes until the collateral coverage ratio is established to be at least 1.6 to 1.0.
The 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of AAG and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (including American) to: (i) pay dividends, redeem or repurchase stock or make other distributions or restricted payments, (ii) incur liens on the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and dispose of or release the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral, (iii) repay subordinated indebtedness, (iv) make certain loans and investments, (v) incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock, (vi) merge, consolidate or sell assets, (vii) undergo certain change of control transactions, and (viii) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Indenture.
Upon the occurrence of any event of default (other than certain bankruptcy or insolvency or reorganization events affecting AAG or certain of its subsidiaries, including American), the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes may be declared to be due and payable immediately. Upon the occurrence of certain bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events affecting American or certain of its subsidiaries (including American), all outstanding 11.75% Senior Secured Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice on the part of the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee or any holder of the 11.75% Senior Secured Notes.
178


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
10.75% Senior Secured Notes
On September 25, 2020 (the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date), American issued $1.0 billion in initial principal amount of senior secured IP notes (the IP Notes) and $200 million in initial principal amount of senior secured LGA/DCA notes (the LGA/DCA Notes and together with the IP Notes, the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes). The obligations of American under the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Guarantees) on a senior unsecured basis by AAG. The 10.75% Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.75% per annum in cash. For any interest period on or prior to September 1, 2022, American may, at its election, pay interest at a rate of 12.00% per annum payable one-half in cash and one-half in kind. Interest on the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on September 1 and March 1 of each year, which began on March 1, 2021. The 10.75% Senior Secured Notes will mature on February 15, 2026.
The 10.75% Senior Secured Notes were each issued pursuant to a separate indenture, dated as of September 25, 2020 (individually, the IP Notes Indenture and the LGA/DCA Notes Indenture and collectively, the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures), by and among American, AAG and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral trustee (the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee). The IP Notes are secured by a first lien security interest on certain intellectual property of American, including the “American Airlines” trademark and the “aa.com” domain name in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions (the IP Collateral), and a second lien on certain slots related to American’s operations at New York LaGuardia and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports and certain other assets (the LGA/DCA Collateral and together with the IP Collateral, the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral). Subject to certain conditions, American will be permitted to incur up to $4.0 billion of additional pari passu debt and unlimited second lien debt secured by the IP Collateral securing the IP Notes. The LGA/DCA Notes are secured by a first lien security interest in the LGA/DCA Collateral. American may be required to pledge additional collateral in the future under the terms of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, and in certain circumstances may elect to pledge additional collateral including as a replacement for existing collateral. The LGA/DCA Collateral also secures on a first-lien basis the December 2016 Credit Facilities.
On or prior to the fourth anniversary of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date, American may redeem all or any part of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes redeemed plus a make whole premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any. After the fourth anniversary of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date and on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date, American may redeem all or any part of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 105.375% of the principal amount of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any. After the fifth anniversary of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Closing Date, American may redeem all or any part of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, at its option, at par, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any.
In the event of a specified change of control, each holder of 10.75% Senior Secured Notes may require American to repurchase its 10.75% Senior Secured Notes, in whole or in part, at a repurchase price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes so repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to (but not including) the repurchase date.
The 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures contain covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of AAG and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (including American) to: (i) pay dividends, redeem or repurchase stock or make other distributions or restricted payments, (ii) incur liens on the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral and dispose of or release the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Collateral, (iii) repay subordinated indebtedness, (iv) make certain loans and investments, (v) incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock, (vi) merge, consolidate or sell assets, and (vii) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted. In addition, the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures include covenants that require AAG to maintain (a) an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and (b) a certain minimum ratio of appraised value of the collateral to outstanding debt secured thereby on a first lien basis as further described below in “Certain Covenants.” These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Indentures.
Upon the occurrence of any event of default (other than certain bankruptcy or insolvency or reorganization events affecting AAG or certain of its subsidiaries, including American), the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes may be declared to be due and payable immediately. Upon the occurrence of certain bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events affecting AAG or certain of its subsidiaries (including American), all outstanding 10.75% Senior Secured Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice on the part of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes Trustee or any holder of the 10.75% Senior Secured Notes.
179


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
(c) Treasury Loan Agreement
On September 25, 2020, American and AAG entered into a Loan and Guarantee Agreement (the Treasury Loan Agreement) with Treasury, which provided for a secured term loan facility (the Treasury Term Loan Facility) that permitted American to borrow up to $5.5 billion. Subsequently, on October 21, 2020, American and AAG entered into an amendment to the Treasury Loan Agreement, which increased the borrowing amount to up to $7.5 billion.
In September 2020, American borrowed $550 million under the Treasury Term Loan Facility, and on March 24, 2021, used proceeds from the AAdvantage Financing to prepay in full the $550 million of outstanding loans under the Treasury Term Loan Facility and terminated the Treasury Loan Agreement.
(d) AAdvantage Financing
On March 24, 2021 (the AAdvantage Financing Closing Date), American and AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of American (Loyalty Issuer and, together with American, the AAdvantage Issuers), completed the offering of $3.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes) and $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the 2029 Notes, and together with the 2026 Notes, the AAdvantage Notes). The AAdvantage Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the AAdvantage Note Guarantees) on a senior unsecured basis by AAG and fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by AAdvantage Holdings 1, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of American, and AAdvantage Holdings 2, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated with limited liability and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of American and the direct parent of Loyalty Issuer (HoldCo2, and together with AAdvantage Holdings 1, Ltd., the Original SPV Guarantors), and as of August 27, 2021, certain Luxembourg limited liability companies and partnerships that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Loyalty Issuer including Madrid IP Lux HoldCo SCS, a Luxembourg common limited partnership (Madrid IP SCS) (collectively, the Madrid SPV Guarantors and, together with the Original SPV Guarantors, the SPV Guarantors, and the SPV Guarantors together with AAG, the AAdvantage Guarantors). The AAdvantage Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 24, 2021 (the AAdvantage Indenture), by and among the AAdvantage Issuers, the AAdvantage Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral custodian.
Concurrent with the issuance of the AAdvantage Notes, the AAdvantage Issuers, as co-borrowers, entered into a term loan credit and guaranty agreement, dated March 24, 2021, with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as collateral administrator, and the lenders party thereto, providing for a $3.5 billion term loan facility (the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility and collectively with the AAdvantage Notes, the AAdvantage Financing) and pursuant to which the full $3.5 billion of term loans (the AAdvantage Loans) were drawn on the AAdvantage Financing Closing Date. The AAdvantage Loans are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (together with the AAdvantage Note Guarantees, the AAdvantage Guarantees) by the AAdvantage Guarantors.
Subject to certain permitted liens and other exceptions, the AAdvantage Notes, AAdvantage Loans and AAdvantage Guarantees provided by the SPV Guarantors will be secured by a first-priority security interest in, and pledge of, various agreements with respect to the AAdvantage program (the AAdvantage Agreements) (including all payments thereunder) and certain IP Licenses (as defined below), certain deposit accounts that will receive cash under the AAdvantage Agreements, certain reserve accounts, the equity of each of Loyalty Issuer and the SPV Guarantors and substantially all other assets of Loyalty Issuer and the SPV Guarantors including Transferred AAdvantage IP (as defined below) (collectively, the AAdvantage Collateral).
Payment Terms of the AAdvantage Notes and AAdvantage Loans under the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility
Interest on the AAdvantage Notes is payable in cash, quarterly in arrears on the 20th day of each January, April, July and October 2017,(each, an AAdvantage Payment Date), which began on July 20, 2021. The 2026 Notes will mature on April 20, 2026, and the 2029 Notes will mature on April 20, 2029. The outstanding principal on the 2026 Notes will be repaid in quarterly installments of $292 million on each AAdvantage Payment Date, beginning on July 20, 2023. The outstanding principal on the 2029 Notes will be repaid in quarterly installments of $250 million on each AAdvantage Payment Date, beginning on July 20, 2026.
The AAdvantage Issuers may redeem the AAdvantage Notes, at their option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the AAdvantage Notes redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
180


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
The scheduled maturity date of the AAdvantage Loans under the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility is April 20, 2028. The AAdvantage Loans bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR (but not less than 0.75% per annum), plus a margin of 4.75% per annum, payable on each AAdvantage Payment Date. The outstanding principal on the AAdvantage Loans will be repaid in quarterly installments of $175 million, on each AAdvantage Payment Date beginning with the AAdvantage Payment Date in July 2023. These amortization payments (as well as those for the AAdvantage Notes) will be subject to the occurrence of certain early amortization events, including the failure to satisfy a minimum debt service coverage ratio at specified determination dates.
Prepayment of some or all of the AAdvantage Loans outstanding under the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility is permitted, although payment of an applicable premium is required as specified in the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility.
The AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility contain mandatory prepayment provisions triggered upon (i) the issuance or incurrence by Loyalty Issuer or the SPV Guarantors of certain indebtedness or (ii) the receipt by American or its subsidiaries of net proceeds from pre-paid frequent flyer (i.e., AAdvantage) mile sales exceeding $505 million. Each of these prepayments would also require payment of an applicable premium. Certain other events, including the occurrence of a change of control with respect to AAG and certain AAdvantage Collateral sales exceeding a specified threshold, will also trigger mandatory repurchase or mandatory prepayment provisions under the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility, respectively.
Other Terms of the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility
The AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility contain certain covenants that limit the ability of Loyalty Issuer, the SPV Guarantors and, in certain circumstances, American and AAG, to among other things, (i) incur additional indebtedness and make restricted payments, (ii) incur certain liens on the AAdvantage Collateral, (iii) merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of their assets, (iv) dispose of the AAdvantage Collateral, (v) sell pre-paid frequent flyer (i.e. AAdvantage) miles in excess of $550 million in the aggregate, and (vi) terminate, amend, waive, supplement or modify the IP Licenses, or exercise rights and remedies thereunder, except under certain circumstances. American and Loyalty Issuer are also prohibited from substantially reducing the AAdvantage program business or modifying the terms of the AAdvantage program in a manner that would reasonably be expected to materially impair repayment of the AAdvantage Financing obligations (described as a Payment Material Adverse Effect in each of the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility), and AAG and its subsidiaries are prohibited from changing the policies and procedures of the AAdvantage program in a manner that would reasonably be expected to have a Payment Material Adverse Effect or operating a competing loyalty program. Notwithstanding these restrictions, the AAdvantage program is expected to operate as it has in the past, and the entry into the AAdvantage Financing is not expected to have any impact on the benefits offered to AAdvantage members.
The AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility also require the AAdvantage Issuers to comply with certain affirmative covenants, including the requirement to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause sufficient counterparties to AAdvantage Agreements to direct at least 90% of payments with respect to the AAdvantage program on a quarterly basis into a collections account, for application to the payment of fees, principal and interest on the AAdvantage Notes and the AAdvantage Loans pursuant to a payment waterfall described in the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility, respectively. In addition, the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility require AAG to maintain minimum liquidity, defined as the sum of (a) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and (b) the aggregate principal amount committed and available to be drawn under all of AAG's revolving credit and other facilities, at the close of any business day of at least $2.0 billion.
Subject to certain materiality thresholds, qualifications, exceptions, “baskets” and grace and cure periods, the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility contain various events of default, including payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain other indebtedness, termination of certain agreements related to the AAdvantage program, bankruptcy events of Loyalty Issuer or any SPV Guarantor, and a change of control of Loyalty Issuer or any SPV Guarantor. A bankruptcy event of American is not itself an event of default; following an American bankruptcy, an event of default would only occur if American failed to satisfy certain enumerated bankruptcy case milestones, including an assumption of the AAdvantage Financing by a certain date. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding obligations under the AAdvantage Indenture and the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility may (or, with respect to the bankruptcy events noted above, shall) be accelerated and become due and payable immediately.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Terms of Certain Intercompany Agreements Related to the AAdvantage Financing
In connection with the issuance of the AAdvantage Notes and entry into the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility, American, Loyalty Issuer and the SPV Guarantors entered into a series of transactions that resulted in the transfer to Loyalty Issuer or Madrid IP SCS of, among other things, American’s rights to certain data and other intellectual property used in the AAdvantage program (subject to certain exceptions) (such assets, the Transferred AAdvantage IP) and certain rights of American under specified AAdvantage Agreements. Loyalty Issuer, the SPV Guarantors and American have entered into a series of intercompany license agreements (collectively, the IP Licenses) pursuant to which Loyalty Issuer has indirectly granted to American an exclusive, irrevocable (subject to certain termination rights), perpetual, worldwide, royalty-bearing sublicense to use the Transferred AAdvantage IP. The IP Licenses would be terminated, and American’s right to use the Transferred AAdvantage IP would cease, upon specified termination events, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of an event of default under the AAdvantage Indenture or the AAdvantage Term Loan Facility. In certain circumstances, such a termination would trigger a liquidated damages payment in an amount that is greater than the initial principal amount of the AAdvantage Notes and the AAdvantage Loans.
In addition, proceeds from the AAdvantage Financing were loaned by Loyalty Issuer to American pursuant to an intercompany note that was guaranteed by AAG. The borrowings under this intercompany note are payable on demand by Loyalty Issuer or, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under the AAdvantage Financing, by the master collateral agent under the AAdvantage Financing.
(e) EETCs
2021-1 Aircraft EETCs
In November 2021, American created threetwo pass-through trusts which issued approximately $1.0 billion$960 million aggregate face amount of Series 2017-2 Class AA,2021-1 Class A and Class B EETCs (the 2017-22021-1 Aircraft EETCs) in connection with the financing of 3026 aircraft previously delivered or to be delivered to American through May 2018September 2022 (the 2017-22021-1 Aircraft). In 2017,As of December 31, 2021, approximately $735$94 million of the net proceeds werehad been used to purchase equipment notes issued by American in connection with the financing of 245 aircraft financed under the 2017-2 EETC. During the first six months2021-1 Aircraft EETCs, all of 2018, the remaining $283 million of net proceedswhich was used to purchase equipment notes issued by American in connection with the financing of the remaining six aircraft financed under the 2017-2 EETCs.repay existing indebtedness. Interest and principal payments on equipment notes issued in connection with the 2017-22021-1 Aircraft EETCs are payable semi-annually in AprilJanuary and October ofJuly each year, with interest payments that beganscheduled to begin in April 2018July 2022 and with principal payments that beganscheduled to begin in October 2018. TheseJanuary 2023. The remaining proceeds of approximately $866 million as of December 31, 2021 were being held in escrow with a depositary for the benefit of the holders of the 2021-1 Aircraft EETCs until such time as American issues additional equipment notes with respect to the remaining 2021-1 Aircraft to the pass-through trusts, which will purchase such additional equipment notes with the escrowed funds. These escrowed funds are securednot guaranteed by liensAmerican and are not reported as debt on its consolidated balance sheet because the 2017-2 Aircraft.proceeds held by the depositary for the benefit of the holders of the 2021-1 Aircraft EETCs are not American’s assets.
Certain information regarding the 2017-22021-1 Aircraft EETC equipment notes, as of December 31, 2018,2021, is set forth in the table below.
 2021-1 Aircraft EETCs
 Series ASeries B
Aggregate principal issued$758 million$202 million
Remaining escrowed proceeds$684 million$182 million
Fixed interest rate per annum2.875%3.95%
Maturity dateJuly 2034July 2030
 2017-2 EETCs
 Series AA Series A Series B
Aggregate principal issued$545 million $252 million $221 million
Fixed interest rate per annum3.35% 3.60% 3.70%
Maturity dateOctober 2029 October 2029 October 2025
(f) Special Facility Revenue Bonds
2012-2C(R) EETCs
On May 15, 2018,In January 2020, American created a pass-through trustand British Airways announced the start of construction projects to upgrade New York's JFK Terminal 8 (the Terminal). The construction project is currently scheduled to be completed in 2023 and is estimated to cost $439 million, of which issued $100$298 million aggregate face amountwas funded with proceeds of the Series 2012-2 Class C(R) EETCsspecial facility revenue bonds issued by the New York Transportation Development Corporation (NYTDC) on behalf of American in June 2020 (the 2012-2C(R) EETCs). Interest2020 JFK Bonds) and principal payments on equipment notesapproximately $84 million of which was funded with proceeds of the approximately $150 million of special facility revenue bonds NYTDC issued in connection with the 2012-2C(R) EETCs are payable semi-annually in June and December of each year, which began in December 2018.
American had previously issued $100 million aggregate face amount of Series 2012-2 Class C Certificates on June 6, 20132021 (the 2012-2C Certificates) in connection with the financing of 11 aircraft previously delivered to American between May 2013 and October 2013. On June 1, 2018, American redeemed the Series C Equipment Notes relating to such 2012-2C Certificates (the 2012-2C Equipment Notes), which were scheduled to mature on June 3, 2018. The proceeds received from the 2012-2C(R) EETCs were used for the redemption of the 2012-2 Series C Equipment Notes and the repayment of the 2012-2C Certificates.
Certain information regarding the 2012-2 Class C(R) EETC equipment notes, as of December 31, 2018, is set forth in the table below.2021 JFK Bonds).

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

American is required to pay debt service on the 2021 JFK Bonds through payments under a loan agreement with NYTDC (as amended), and American and AAG guarantee the 2021 JFK Bonds. American continues to pay debt service on the outstanding bonds issued by NYTDC on behalf of American in 2016 and 2020 (the 2016 and 2020 JFK Bonds) and American and AAG continue to guarantee the 2016 and 2020 JFK Bonds. American’s and AAG’s obligations under these guarantees are secured by a leasehold mortgage on American’s lease of the Terminal and related property from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
2012-2C(R) EETCs
Series C(R)
Aggregate principal issued$100 million
Fixed interest rate per annum4.70%
Maturity dateJuneThe 2021 JFK Bonds, in aggregate, were priced at par value. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the 2021 JFK Bonds were approximately $150 million. Of this amount, $4 million was used to fund the costs of issuance of the 2021 JFK Bonds, $62 million was used to fund the redemption of the 2016 and 2020 JFK Bonds due August 2021,
(c) Equipment Loans and Other Notes Payable Issued in 2018
In 2018, American entered into agreements under which it borrowed $1.5 billion in connection with the financingremaining amount of certain aircraftproceeds received to be held in restricted cash and certain pre-delivery purchase deposits. Debt incurred under these agreements matures inshort-term investments on the consolidated balance sheet and to be used to finance a portion of the cost of the renovation and expansion of the Terminal. The 2021 through 2030 and bearsJFK Bonds are comprised of term bonds, $70 million of which bear interest at fixed2.25% per annum and variable ratesmature on August 1, 2026, and $80 million of LIBOR plus an applicable margin averaging 4.28%which bear interest at 3.00% per annum and mature on August 1, 2031. As of December 31, 2018.2021, $236 million of proceeds funded by the issuance of the 2020 and 2021 JFK Bonds are included in restricted cash and short-term investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
Guarantees
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American had issued guarantees covering AAG’s $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of the PSP1 Promissory Note due April 2030, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the PSP2 Promissory Note due January 2031, $946 million aggregate principal amount of the PSP3 Promissory Note due April 2031, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.50% convertible senior notes due July 2025, $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50%5.000% senior notes due 2019June 2022 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625%3.75% senior notes due 2020.March 2025.
Collateral-RelatedCertain Covenants
Certain of American’s debt financing agreements (including its secured notes, term loans, revolving credit facilities and spare engine EETCs) contain loan to value (LTV), collateral coverage or peak debt service coverage ratio covenants and certain agreements require American to annually appraise the related collateral.collateral annually or semiannually. Pursuant to such agreements, if the applicable LTV, collateral coverage or peak debt service coverage ratio exceeds or falls below a specified threshold, as the case may be, American iswill be required, as applicable, to pledge additional qualifying collateral (which in some cases may include cash collateral)or investment securities), withhold additional cash in certain accounts, or to pay down such financing, in whole or in part.part, or the interest rate for the relevant financing will be increased. Additionally, a significant portion of American’s debt financing agreements contain covenants requiring it to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities, and its AAdvantage Financing contains a peak debt service coverage ratio, pursuant to which failure to comply with a certain threshold may result in early repayment, in whole or in part, of the AAdvantage Financing.
183


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Specifically, American is required to meet certain collateral coverage tests on an annual basis for its Credit Facilities, 10.75% Senior Secured Notes and 11.75% Senior Secured Notes, as described below:
2013 Credit Facilities 2014 Credit Facilities 
April 2016 Credit
Facilities
 
December 2016
Credit Facilities
2013 Credit Facilities2014 Credit FacilitiesApril 2016 Credit
Facilities
December 2016
Credit Facilities
10.75% Senior Secured Notes11.75% Senior Secured Notes
Frequency of Appraisals
of Appraised Collateral
Annual Annual Annual AnnualFrequency of Appraisals of Appraised CollateralAnnualAnnualAnnualAnnualAnnualSemi-Annual
LTV Requirement1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV) 1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV) 1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV) 1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV)LTV Requirement1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV)
LTV as of Last
Measurement Date
34.8% 18.8% 40.9% 57.5%LTV as of Last Measurement Date38.4%18.0%Not Applicable53.5%53.5%33.5%
Collateral DescriptionGenerally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate all services between the U.S. and South America Generally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and European Union (including London Heathrow) Generally, certain spare parts Generally, certain Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) slots, certain La Guardia Airport (LGA) slots, certain simulators and certain leasehold rightsCollateral DescriptionGenerally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate all services between the U.S. and South AmericaGenerally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and European Union (including London Heathrow)Generally, certain spare partsGenerally, certain Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) slots, certain LaGuardia Airport (LGA) slots, certain simulators and certain leasehold rightsGenerally, certain DCA slots, certain LGA slots, certain simulators and certain leasehold rights and, in the case of the IP Notes, certain intellectual property of AmericanGenerally, certain slots, route authorities and airport gate leasehold rights used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and the Caribbean, Central America and various other countries
At December 31, 2018,2021, American was in compliance with the applicable collateral coverage tests as of the most recent measurement dates.
4. Leases
American leases certain aircraft and engines, including aircraft under capacity purchase agreements. As of December 31, 2018,2021, American had 660operated 696 leased aircraft, with remaining terms ranging from less than one year to 12 years.
At each airport where American conducts flight operations, American has agreements, generally with a governmental unit or authority, for the use of passenger, operations and baggage handling space as well as runways and taxiways. These


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

agreements, particularly in the U.S., often contain provisions for periodic adjustments to rates and charges applicable under such agreements. These rates and charges also vary with American’s level of operations and the operations of the airport. Because of the variable nature of these rates, these leases are not recorded on American’s consolidated balance sheets as a ROU asset or a lease liability. Additionally, at American’s hub locations and in certain other cities it serves, American leases administrative offices, catering, cargo, training, maintenance and other facilities.
The components of lease expense were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended
December 31, 2018
202120202019
Operating lease cost$1,889
Operating lease cost$1,998 $1,943 $2,012 
Finance lease cost: Finance lease cost:
Amortization of assets78
Amortization of assets107 92 79 
Interest on lease liabilities48
Interest on lease liabilities44 38 43 
Variable lease cost2,353
Variable lease cost2,461 1,786 2,542 
Total net lease cost$4,368
Total net lease cost$4,610 $3,859 $4,676 
Included in the table above is $226$190 million, $172 million and $236 million of operating lease cost under American’s capacity purchase agreement with Republic.Republic for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. American holds a 25% equity interest in Republic Holdings, the parent company of Republic.
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Additionally, not included in the table above, American recognized $109 million in cash special charges in 2020 related to the impairment of ROU assets and lease return costs resulting from its decision to retire certain leased aircraft earlier than planned driven by the severe decline in air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in millions, except lease term and discount rate):
 December 31, 2018
Operating leases: 
Operating lease ROU assets$9,094
  
Current operating lease liabilities1,639
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities7,857
Total operating lease liabilities$9,496
  
Finance leases: 
Property and equipment, at cost$936
Accumulated amortization(391)
Property and equipment, net$545
  
Current obligations of finance leases$81
Finance leases, net of current obligations613
Total finance lease liabilities$694
  
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): 
Operating leases7.6
Finance leases7.4
  
Weighted average discount rate: 
Operating leases4.6%
Finance leases6.5%


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

December 31,
20212020
Operating leases:
Operating lease ROU assets$7,810 $7,994 
Current operating lease liabilities$1,496 $1,641 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities6,578 6,739 
Total operating lease liabilities$8,074 $8,380 
Finance leases:
Property and equipment, at cost$1,201 $1,021 
Accumulated amortization(653)(539)
Property and equipment, net$548 $482 
Current finance lease liabilities$174 $100 
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities563 472 
Total finance lease liabilities$737 $572 
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases7.67.4
Finance leases4.65.4
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases6.2 %5.6 %
Finance leases6.1 %6.3 %
Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases was as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$2,040 $2,015 $1,996 
Operating cash flows from finance leases37 39 43 
Financing cash flows from finance leases126 114 83 
Non-cash transactions:
ROU assets acquired through operating leases1,381 898 1,144 
Property and equipment acquired through finance leases180 11 20 
Operating lease conversion to finance lease102 41 
Gain on sale leaseback transactions, net25 107 107 
185

 Year Ended
December 31, 2018
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: 
Operating cash flows from operating leases$1,914
Operating cash flows from finance leases48
Financing cash flows from finance leases78
  
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: 
Operating leases1,258
  
Gain on sale leaseback transactions, net59
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2018Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Operating Leases Finance Leases
2019$1,894
 $124
20201,824
 120
20211,625
 118
20221,428
 122
2022$1,912 $215 
20231,250
 105
20231,777 183 
2024 and thereafter3,611
 282
202420241,398 180 
202520251,032 113 
20262026757 87 
2027 and thereafter2027 and thereafter3,600 77 
Total lease payments11,632
 871
Total lease payments10,476 855 
Less: Imputed interest(2,136) (177)Less: Imputed interest(2,402)(118)
Total lease obligations9,496
 694
Total lease obligations8,074 737 
Less: Current obligations(1,639) (81)Less: Current obligations(1,496)(174)
Long-term lease obligations$7,857
 $613
Long-term lease obligations$6,578 $563 
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American hashad additional operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced of approximately $1.9$1.8 billion for 22 787-818 Boeing 787 Family aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2020 and 20212022 through 2024 with lease terms of 10 years.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

Disclosures related to periods prior to adoption of the New Lease Standard
Operating lease rent expense, excluding landing fees, was approximately $3.2 billion and $3.1 billion in 2017 and 2016, respectively, which includes the lease of certain aircraft under capacity purchase agreements. As of December 31, 2017, future minimum lease payment obligations under noncancellable operating leases, including payments for the lease of certain aircraft under capacity purchase agreements, as well as payments under capital lease obligations were as follows (in millions):
 December 31, 2017
 Operating Leases Capital Leases
2018$2,555
 $126
20192,321
 123
20202,096
 120
20211,613
 118
20221,394
 122
2023 and thereafter3,952
 387
Total lease payments$13,931
 996
Less: Imputed interest  (225)
Total lease obligations  771
Less: Current obligations  (78)
Long-term lease obligations  $693
5. Income Taxes
The significant components of the income tax provision (benefit) were (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Current income tax provision:     
State and Local$3
 $14
 $1
Foreign28
 10
 9
Current income tax provision31
 24
 10
Deferred income tax provision:     
Federal453
 2,176
 1,507
State and Local50
 70
 90
Deferred income tax provision503
 2,246
 1,597
Total income tax provision$534
 $2,270
 $1,607


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Current income tax provision:
State and Local$— $— $
Foreign— — 
Current income tax provision— — 10 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit):
Federal(453)(2,224)567 
State and Local(47)(229)56 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)(500)(2,453)623 
Total income tax provision (benefit)$(500)$(2,453)$633 
The income tax provision (benefit) differed from amounts computed at the statutory federal income tax rate as follows (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Statutory income tax provision (benefit)$(478)$(2,290)$547 
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal tax effect(37)(181)41 
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes21 20 29 
Foreign income taxes, net of federal tax effect— — 
Change in valuation allowance— — 
Other, net(6)(2)
Income tax provision (benefit)$(500)$(2,453)$633 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Statutory income tax provision$460
 $1,244
 $1,504
State income tax provision, net of federal tax effect46
 53
 61
Foreign income taxes, net of federal tax effect22
 6
 6
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes10
 30
 32
Bankruptcy administration expenses
 1
 1
2017 Tax Act
��924
 
Change in valuation allowance(6) 4
 (1)
Other, net2
 8
 4
Income tax provision$534
 $2,270
 $1,607
The components of American’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were (in millions):
 December 31,
 20212020
Deferred tax assets:
Operating loss and other carryforwards$4,476 $3,944 
Loyalty program liability1,903 1,977 
Leases1,822 1,904 
Pensions934 1,397 
Postretirement benefits other than pensions215 203 
Rent expense92 96 
Reorganization items24 28 
Other710 796 
Total deferred tax assets10,176 10,345 
Valuation allowance(24)(24)
Net deferred tax assets10,152 10,321 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation and amortization(4,715)(4,992)
Leases(1,758)(1,809)
Other(279)(294)
Total deferred tax liabilities(6,752)(7,095)
Net deferred tax asset$3,400 $3,226 
At December 31, 2021, American had approximately $17.1 billion of gross federal net operating losses (NOLs) and $2.4 billion of other carryforwards available to reduce future federal taxable income, of which $7.3 billion will expire beginning in 2024 if unused and $12.2 billion can be carried forward indefinitely. American is a member of AAG’s consolidated federal and certain state income tax returns. American also had approximately $6.0 billion of NOL carryforwards to reduce future state taxable income at December 31, 2021, which will expire in taxable years 2021 through 2041 if unused.
American’s ability to use its NOLs and other carryforwards depends on the amount of taxable income generated in future periods. American provides a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets, which include the net operating losses (NOLs),NOLs, when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of its deferred tax assets, will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. American considers all available positive and negative evidence and makes certain assumptions in evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets. Many factors are considered that impact American’s assessment of future profitability, including conditions which are beyond its control, such as the health of the economy, the levelavailability and price volatility of aircraft fuel prices and travel demand.
The total decrease to the American presently has a $24 million valuation allowance was $6 million in 2018. In 2017, the total increase to the valuation allowance was $12 million, $8 million of which is included in the 2017 Tax Act amount in the table above. In 2016, the total decrease to the valuation allowance was $1 million.
The components of American’son certain net deferred tax assets and liabilities were (in millions):related to state NOL carryforwards. There can be no assurance that an additional valuation allowance on American’s net deferred tax assets will not be required. Such valuation allowance could be material.
 December 31,
 2018 2017
Deferred tax assets:   
Operating loss carryforwards$2,420
 $2,409
Leases2,176
 107
Pensions1,421
 1,549
Loyalty program liability1,770
 1,809
Alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit carryforwards231
 457
Postretirement benefits other than pensions145
 170
Rent expense136
 160
Reorganization items33
 35
Other588
 638
Total deferred tax assets8,920
 7,334
Valuation allowance(19) (25)
Net deferred tax assets8,901
 7,309
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Accelerated depreciation and amortization(5,243) (4,999)
Leases(2,068) 
Other(321) (274)
Total deferred tax liabilities(7,632) (5,273)
Net deferred tax asset$1,269
 $2,036


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

At December 31, 2018, American had approximately $10.6 billion of federal NOLs carried over from prior taxable years (NOL Carryforwards) to reduce future federal taxable income, substantially all of which American expects to be available for use in 2019. American is a member of AAG’s consolidated federal and certain state income tax returns. The amount of federal NOL Carryforwards available in those returns is $10.2 billion, substantially all of which is expected to be available for use in 2019. The federal NOL Carryforwards will expire beginning in 2022 if unused. American also had approximately $3.1 billion of NOL Carryforwards to reduce future state taxable income at December 31, 2018, which will expire in years 2019 through 2038 if unused. American’s ability to deduct its NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards and to utilize certain other available tax attributes can be substantially constrained under the general annual limitation rules of Section 382 where an “ownership change” has occurred. Substantially all of American’s remaining federal NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards attributable to US Airways Group are subject to limitation under Section 382; however, American’s ability to utilize such NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards is not anticipated to be effectively constrained as a result of such limitation. American elected to be covered by certain special rules for federal income tax purposes that permitted approximately $9.5 billion (with $8.6 billion of unlimited NOL still remaining at December 31, 2018) of its federal NOL Carryforwards to be utilized without regard to the annual limitation generally imposed by Section 382. Similar limitations may apply for state income tax purposes. American’s ability to utilize any new NOL Carryforwardscarryforwards arising after the ownership changes is not affected by the annual limitation rules imposed by Section 382 unless another future ownership change occurs. Under the Section 382 limitation, cumulative stock ownership changes among material stockholders exceeding 50% during a rolling three-year period can potentially limit a company’sAmerican’s future use of NOLs and tax credits. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “Our ability to utilize our NOL Carryforwards may be limited” for unaudited additional discussion of this risk.
At December 31, 2018, American had an AMT credit carryforward of approximately $452 million available for federal income tax purposes, which is now expected to be fully refundable over the next several years as a result of the repeal of corporate AMT.
In 2018,2021, American recorded an income tax provisionbenefit of $534$500 million, with an effective rate of approximately 24%22%, which was substantially non-cash. American’s income tax provision included an $18 million special income tax charge related to an international income tax matter. Substantially all of American’s incomeloss before income taxes is attributable to the United States.
American is part
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
American files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. American’s 20152018 through 20172020 tax years are still subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Various state and foreign jurisdiction tax years remain open to examination and American is under examination, in administrative appeals, or engaged in tax litigation in certain jurisdictions. American believes that the effect of any assessments will not be material to its consolidated financial statements.
The amount of, and changes to, American’s uncertain tax positions were not material in any of the years presented. American accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and operating expense, respectively.
The 2017 Tax Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act is the most comprehensive tax change in more than 30 years. American has completed its evaluation of the 2017 Tax Act and American has reflected the impact of its effects, including the impact of lower corporate income tax rates (21% vs. 35%) on its deferred tax assets and liabilities and the one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred. For the year ended December 31, 2017, American recognized a special income tax provision of $924 million to reflect these impacts of the 2017 Tax Act.
6. Risk Management
American’s economic prospects are heavily dependent upon two variables it cannot control: the health of the economygeneral economic conditions and the price of fuel.
Due to the discretionary nature of business and leisure travel spending and the highly competitive nature of the airline industry, American’s revenues are heavily influenced by the condition of the U.S. economy and economies in other regions of the world. Unfavorable conditions in these broader economies have resulted, and may result in the future, in decreased passenger demand for air travel, changes in booking practices and related reactions by American’s competitors, all of which in turn have had, and may have in the future, a strong negative effect on American’s business. In particular, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated decline in economic activity and increase in unemployment levels have had and are expected to continue to have a severe and prolonged effect on the global economy generally and, in turn, is expected to depress demand for air travel into the foreseeable future. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the duration and severity of this pandemic, American can provide no assurance as to when and at what pace demand for air travel will return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, if at all. Accordingly, American cannot predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, during challenging economic times, actions by its competitors to increase their revenues can have an adverse impact on American’s revenues.
American’s operating results are materially impacted by changes in the availability, price volatility and cost of aircraft fuel, which represents one of the largest single cost items in American’s business. MarketAircraft fuel prices for jet fuel have fluctuated substantially overin the past, several years and prices continue to be highly volatile.may in the future, experience substantial volatility. Because of the amount of fuel needed to


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

operate American’s business, even a relatively small increase or decrease in the price of aircraft fuel can have a material effect on American’s operating results and liquidity.
These additional factors could impact American’s results of operations, financial performance and liquidity:
(a) Credit Risk
Most of American’s receivablesaccounts receivable relate primarily to its contracts with airline and non-airline business partners, including its co-branded credit card partners, and to tickets sold to individual passengers primarily through the use of major credit cards or to tickets sold by other airlines and used by passengers on American. These receivablescards. Receivables from American’s business partners are typically settled within 30 days. Receivables from ticket sales are short-term, mostly settled within seven days after sale. Bad debtAll accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for credit losses, which have been minimal inminimal. American considers past and future financial and qualitative factors when establishing the past, have been considered in establishing allowancesallowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses. American does not believe it is subject to any significant concentration of credit risk.
(b) Interest Rate Risk
American has exposure to market risk associated with changes in interest rates related primarily to its variable rateLIBOR variable-rate debt obligations. Interest rates on $9.9$10.9 billion principal amount of long-term debt as of December 31, 20182021 are subject to adjustment to reflect changes in floating interest rates. The weighted average effective interest rate on American’s variable ratevariable-rate debt was 4.3%3.0% at December 31, 2018.2021. American currently does not currently have an interest rate hedge program.program to hedge its exposure to floating interest rates on its variable-rate debt obligations.
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On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The discontinuation date for submission and publication of rates for certain tenors of USD LIBOR (1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month) was subsequently extended by the ICE Benchmark Administration (the administrator of LIBOR) until June 30, 2023. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2023. Similarly, it is not possible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR, or what effect these changes in views or alternatives may have on financial markets for LIBOR-linked financial instruments. The replacement of LIBOR with a comparable or successor rate could cause the amount of interest payable on American’s long-term debt to be different or higher than expected.
(c) Foreign Currency Risk
American is exposed to the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency-denominated operating revenues and expenses.transactions. American’s largest exposure comes from the British pound sterling, Euro, Chinese yuan, Canadian dollar and various Latin American currencies, primarily the Brazilian real. American does not currently have a foreign currency hedge program. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – “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” for unaudited additional discussion of this risk.
7. Fair Value Measurements and Other Investments
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. an exit price) on the measurement date in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Accounting standards include disclosure requirements around fair values used for certain financial instruments and establish a fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy prioritizes valuation inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of three levels:
Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2 – Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
When available, American uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of its financial assets. If quoted market prices are not available, American measures fair value using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, such as interest rates and currency rates.
American utilizes the market approach to measure the fair value forof its financial assets. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets. American’s short-term investments, restricted cash and restricted short-term investments classified as Level 2 primarily utilize broker quotes in a non-active market for valuation of these securities. No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the year ended December 31, 2018.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

2021.
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in millions):
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021
 TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Short-term investments (1), (2):
Money market funds$106 $106 $— $— 
Corporate obligations8,665 — 8,665 — 
Bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits2,194 — 2,194 — 
Repurchase agreements1,190 — 1,190 — 
12,155 106 12,049 — 
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1), (3)
990 654 336 — 
Long-term investments (4)
239 239 — — 
Total$13,384 $999 $12,385 $— 
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 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2018
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Short-term investments (1) (2):
       
Money market funds$14
 $14
 $
 $
Corporate obligations1,658
 
 1,658
 
Bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits2,435
 
 2,435
 
Repurchase agreements375
 
 375
 
 4,482
 14
 4,468
 
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1)
154
 12
 142
 
Long-term investments (3)
189
 189
 
 
Total$4,825
 $215
 $4,610
 $
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020
 TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Short-term investments (1):
Money market funds$245 $245 $— $— 
Corporate obligations3,449 — 3,449 — 
Bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits2,168 — 2,168 — 
Repurchase agreements755 — 755 — 
6,617 245 6,372 — 
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1), (3)
609 448 161 — 
Long-term investments (4)
161 161 — — 
Total$7,387 $854 $6,533 $— 
(1)
Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at each measurement date.
(2)
All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. American’s short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $877 million of bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits and $101 million of corporate obligations.
(3)
Long-term investments primarily include American's equity investment in China Southern Airlines, in which American presently owns a 2.2% equity interest, and are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
(1)All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at each reporting period. There were no credit losses.
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Short-term investments (1) (2):
       
Money market funds$186
 $186
 $
 $
Corporate obligations1,620
 
 1,620
 
Bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits2,662
 
 2,662
 
Repurchase agreements300
 
 300
 
 4,768
 186
 4,582
 
Restricted cash and short-term investments (1)
318
 108
 210
 
Total$5,086
 $294
 $4,792
 $
(2)American’s short-term investments as of December 31, 2021 mature in one year or less.
(3)Restricted cash and short-term investments primarily include collateral held to support workers' compensation obligations and money market funds to be used to finance a substantial portion of the cost of the renovation and expansion of the Terminal at JFK, and as of December 31, 2021, also include collateral associated with the payment of interest for the AAdvantage Financing.
(4)Long-term investments primarily include American's equity investment in China Southern Airlines and as of December 31, 2021, American’s long-term investments also include Vertical. These investments are reflected in other assets on American’s consolidated balance sheets. See “Other Investments” below for further information on American’s equity investments.
(1)
Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at each measurement date.
(2)
All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. American’s short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $700 million of bank notes/certificates of deposit/time deposits and $341 million of corporate obligations.
Fair Value of Debt
The fair value of American’s long-term debt was estimated using quoted market prices or discounted cash flow analyses based on American’s current estimated incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. If American’s long-term debt was measured at fair value, it would have been classified as Level 2 except for $550 million as of December 31, 2020, which would have been classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

The carrying value and estimated fair value of American’s long-term debt, including current maturities, were as follows (in millions):
 December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Long-term debt, including current maturities$31,357 $32,999 $28,410 $27,193 
Other Investments
An important part of American’s strategy to expand its network has been to initiate or expand its commercial relationships with other airlines, such as by entering into global alliance, joint business and codeshare relationships, and, in certain instances, by making an equity investment in another airline or other companies.
Republic Holdings
American has an approximate 25% ownership interest in Republic Holdings, which it received in 2017 in consideration for its unsecured claim in the Republic Holdings bankruptcy case. This ownership interest is accounted for under the equity method and American’s portion of Republic Holdings’ financial results is recognized within nonoperating other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations and the investment is reflected within other assets on its consolidated balance sheets.
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 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Long-term debt, including current maturities$22,503
 $22,497
 $22,523
 $23,165
China Southern
In the third quarter of 2017, American acquired 2.7% of the outstanding shares of China Southern for $203 million. At December 31, 2021, American owned a 1.8% equity interest in China Southern. This ownership interest is accounted for at fair value based on China Southern’s stock price and mark-to-market adjustments are recorded to nonoperating other income, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
Vertical
In the fourth quarter of 2021, American invested $25 million to acquire 5.4%, or 11.25 million, of the outstanding shares of Vertical with an initial aggregate value of $113 million, of which $88 million was non-cash. In connection with this investment, American entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vertical to pre-order (subject to certain conditions and future agreed upon milestones) up to 250 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with an option to order an additional 100 eVTOL aircraft. Pursuant to the MOU, American received warrants to purchase 1.75 million shares of Vertical common stock at $0.0001 per share each time American places a legally binding commitment for 50 eVTOL aircraft, up to a maximum aggregate amount of 8.75 million shares. American’s investment in Vertical is reflected within other assets on its consolidated balance sheet. The $88 million non-cash portion of the fair value of equity securities received from Vertical is included as a deferred credit within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and will be recognized as a reduction to the cost of eVTOL aircraft received in future periods or, if no legally binding commitment for eVTOL aircraft is entered into, will be recognized into income. American’s investment in Vertical is accounted for at fair value based on Vertical’s stock price and mark-to-market adjustments are recorded to nonoperating other income, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
8. Employee Benefit Plans
American sponsors defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans for eligible employees. The defined benefit pension plans provide benefits for participating employees based on years of service and average compensation for a specified period of time before retirement. Effective November 1, 2012, substantially all of American’s defined benefit pension plans were frozen and American began providing enhanced benefits under its defined contribution pension plans for certain employee groups. American uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its defined benefit pension plans. American also provides certain retiree medical and other postretirement benefits, including health care and life insurance benefits, to retired employees. Effective November 1, 2012, American modified its retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans to eliminate the company subsidy for employees who retire on or after November 1, 2012. As a result of modifications to its retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans in 2012, American recognized a negative plan amendment of $1.9 billion, which iswas included as a component of prior service benefit in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) and will bewas amortized over the future service life of the active plan participants for whom the benefit was eliminated,eliminated. This prior service benefit was fully amortized as of December 31, 2020.
Effective January 1, 2021, health coverage under American’s retiree medical benefit program that is currently provided to certain retirees age 65 and over who retired prior to November 1, 2012, transitioned from a self-insured plan to a fully-insured Medicare Advantage plan. Benefits coverage has not been reduced and cost shared has not changed as a result of this transition. Due to this transition, as of December 31, 2020, American recognized a negative plan amendment of $313 million to reduce its benefit obligation, which was included as a component of prior service cost in AOCI and will be amortized over the average remaining life expectancy of all retirees, or approximately eight13 years. As of December 31, 2018, $3902021, $195 million of prior service benefitcost remains to be amortized.
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Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations, fair value of plan assets and a statement of funded status as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017:2020:
Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
2021202020212020
2018 2017 2018 2017
(In millions) (In millions)
Benefit obligation at beginning of period$18,175
 $17,148
 $1,010
 $990
Benefit obligation at beginning of period$19,690 $18,246 $1,046 $824 
Service cost2
 2
 5
 4
Service cost12 
Interest cost670
 717
 35
 39
Interest cost523 611 30 30 
Actuarial (gain) loss (1) (2)
(1,905) 1,007
 (132) 49
Actuarial (gain) loss (1), (2)
Actuarial (gain) loss (1), (2)
(606)1,603 (57)46 
Special termination benefits (3)
Special termination benefits (3)
— — 139 410 
Plan amendments (4)
Plan amendments (4)
— — — (195)
Settlements(4) (4) 
 
Settlements(1)(36)— — 
Benefit payments(659) (723) (81) (80)Benefit payments(818)(736)(72)(77)
Other3
 28
 
 8
Benefit obligation at end of period$16,282
 $18,175
 $837
 $1,010
Benefit obligation at end of period$18,791 $19,690 $1,098 $1,046 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period$11,340
 $9,968
 $295
 $266
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period$13,477 $12,829 $170 $204 
Actual return on plan assets(1,148) 1,788
 (24) 37
Actual return on plan assets1,700 1,414 21 13 
Employer contributions (3)
472
 286
 35
 72
Employer contributions (5)
Employer contributions (5)
247 48 30 
Settlements(4) (4) 
 
Settlements(1)(36)— — 
Benefit payments(659) (723) (81) (80)Benefit payments(818)(736)(72)(77)
Other
 25
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of period$10,001
 $11,340
 $225
 $295
Fair value of plan assets at end of period$14,605 $13,477 $167 $170 
Funded status at end of period$(6,281) $(6,835) $(612) $(715)Funded status at end of period$(4,186)$(6,213)$(931)$(876)
(1)The 2021 and 2020 pension actuarial (gain) loss primarily relates to the change in American’s weighted average discount rate assumption.
(1)
(2)The 2021 and 2020 retiree medical and other postretirement benefits actuarial (gain) loss primarily relates to the change in American’s weighted average discount rate assumption and, in 2021, plan experience adjustments.
(3)During the first quarter of 2021 and the third quarter of 2020, American remeasured its retiree medical and other postretirement benefits to account for enhanced healthcare benefits provided to eligible team members who opted into voluntary early retirement programs offered as a result of reductions to its operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, during 2021, American recognized a $139 million special charge for these enhanced healthcare benefits and increased its postretirement benefits obligation by $139 million and during 2020 American recognized a $410 million special charge for these enhanced healthcare benefits and increased its postretirement benefits obligation by $410 million.
(4)Principally relates to the transition of American’s retiree medical benefit program from a self-insured plan to a fully-insured Medicare Advantage plan as discussed above.
(5)In January 2021, American made $241 million in contributions to its pension plans, including a contribution of $130 million for the 2020 calendar year that was permitted to be deferred to January 4, 2021 as provided under the CARES Act.
The December 31, 2018 and 2017 pension actuarial (gain) loss primarily relates to changes in American’s weighted average discount rate and mortality assumptions and, in 2018, changes to American’s retirement rate assumptions.
(2)
The December 31, 2018 and 2017 retiree medical and other postretirement benefits actuarial (gain) loss primarily

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relates to weighted average discount rate assumption changes and, in 2018, changes to American’s medical trend and per capita claim assumptions.
(3)
During 2018, American contributed $472 million to its defined benefit pension plans, including supplemental contributions of $433 million in addition to a $39 million minimum required contribution. During 2017, American contributed $286 million to its defined benefit pension plans, including supplemental contributions of $261 million in addition to a $25 million minimum required contribution.
Balance Sheet Position
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In millions)
As of December 31, 
Current liability$7
 $10
 $23
 $88
Noncurrent liability6,274
 6,825
 589
 627
Total liabilities$6,281
 $6,835
 $612
 $715
Net actuarial loss (gain)$5,341
 $5,337
 $(452) $(388)
Prior service cost (benefit)131
 159
 (362) (600)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), pre-tax$5,472
 $5,496
 $(814) $(988)
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2021202020212020
 (In millions)
As of December 31,
Current liability$$$90 $55 
Noncurrent liability4,179 6,206 841 821 
Total liabilities$4,186 $6,213 $931 $876 
Net actuarial loss (gain)$5,241 $6,679 $(396)$(358)
Prior service cost (benefit)46 75 (167)(181)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), pre-tax$5,287 $6,754 $(563)$(539)
Plans with Projected Benefit Obligations Exceeding Fair Value of Plan Assets
 Pension Benefits
 20212020
 (In millions)
Projected benefit obligation$18,791 $19,690 
Fair value of plan assets14,605 13,477 
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations Exceeding Fair Value of Plan Assets
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (In millions)
Projected benefit obligation$16,254
 $18,144
 $
 $
Accumulated benefit obligation (ABO)16,246
 18,135
 
 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
 
 837
 1,010
Fair value of plan assets9,971
 11,307
 225
 295
ABO less fair value of plan assets6,275
 6,828
 
 
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
 2021202020212020
 (In millions)
Accumulated benefit obligation$18,782 $19,678 $— $— 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation— — 1,098 1,046 
Fair value of plan assets14,605 13,477 167 170 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)
 Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
  Other Postretirement Benefits  
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
 (In millions)
Defined benefit plans:           
Service cost$2
 $2
 $2
 $5
 $4
 $3
Interest cost670
 717
 746
 35
 39
 47
Expected return on assets(901) (786) (747) (24) (21) (20)
Settlements
 1
 
 
 
 
Amortization of:           
Prior service cost (benefit)28
 28
 28
 (236) (237) (240)
Unrecognized net loss (gain)140
 144
 125
 (21) (23) (16)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)$(61) $106
 $154
 $(241) $(238) $(226)
The components of net periodic benefit income other than the service cost component are included in nonoperating other income, net in American’s consolidated statements of operations.
 Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
  Other Postretirement Benefits  
 202120202019202120202019
 (In millions)
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost$$$$12 $$
Interest cost523 611 699 30 30 33 
Expected return on assets(1,078)(1,005)(811)(12)(11)(15)
Special termination benefits— — — 139 410 — 
Settlements— 12 — — — — 
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (benefit)28 29 28 (13)(135)(236)
Unrecognized net loss (gain)211 164 150 (24)(24)(31)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)$(313)$(187)$68 $132 $278 $(246)

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The estimated amount of unrecognized actuarial net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from AOCI intocomponent of net periodic benefit cost over(income) is included in operating expenses, the next fiscal year is $181 million.
The estimated amount of unrecognized actuarial net gain and prior service benefitcost for the retiree medicalspecial termination benefits is included in special items, net and the other postretirement benefits plans that will be amortized from AOCI intocomponents of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $269 million.(income) are included in nonoperating other income, net on American’s consolidated statements of operations.
Assumptions
The following actuarial assumptions were used to determine American’s benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost (income) for the periods presented:
Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
2018 2017 2018 2017 2021202020212020
Benefit obligations: Benefit obligations:
Weighted average discount rate4.40% 3.80% 4.30% 3.60%Weighted average discount rate3.0%2.7%2.8%2.4%
Pension BenefitsRetiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension Benefits 
Retiree Medical and
Other Postretirement Benefits
202120202019202120202019
2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Net periodic benefit cost: 
Net periodic benefit cost (income):Net periodic benefit cost (income):
Weighted average discount rate3.80% 4.30% 4.70% 3.60% 4.10% 4.42%Weighted average discount rate2.7%3.4%4.4%2.4%3.2%4.3%
Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00%Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets8.0%8.0%8.0%8.0%8.0%8.0%
Weighted average health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (1)
N/A N/A N/A 3.91% 4.19% 4.25%
Weighted average health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (1)
N/AN/AN/A4.8%4.0%3.7%
(1)The weighted average health care cost trend rate at December 31, 2021 is assumed to decline gradually to 3.9% by 2028 and remain level thereafter.
(1)
The weighted average health care cost trend rate at December 31, 2018 is assumed to decline gradually to 3.45% by 2026 and remain level thereafter.
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American’s estimate of the long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8%8.0% based on the target asset allocation. Expected returns on long duration bonds are based on yields to maturity of the bonds held at year-end. Expected returns on other assets are based on a combination of long-term historical returns, actual returns on plan assets achieved over the last ten years, current and expected market conditions, and expected value to be generated through active management and securities lending programs.
A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on American’s retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans (in millions):
 1% Increase 1% Decrease
Increase (decrease) on 2018 service and interest cost$2
 $(2)
Increase (decrease) on benefit obligation as of December 31, 201847
 (43)
Minimum Contributions
American is required to make minimum contributions to its defined benefit pension plans under the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and various other laws for U.S. based plans as well as underfunding rules specific to countries where American maintains defined benefit plans. Based on currentOn March 11, 2021, the ARP was enacted, which included funding assumptions, American has minimum required contributions of $780 million for 2019. American expects to make supplemental contributions of $21 million to its U.S. based definedrelief provisions benefiting single employer qualified retirement benefit pension plans in 2019.such as those sponsored by American. Based on the ARP provisions applicable to its pension plans, American will have no additional funding requirements until 2023. American’s funding obligations will depend on the performance of American’s investments held in trust by the pension plans, interest rates for determining liabilities, the amount of and timing of any supplemental contributions and American’s actuarial experience.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid (approximately, in millions):
202220232024202520262027-2031
Pension benefits$860 $893 $928 $961 $989 $5,194 
Retiree medical and other postretirement benefits114 109 103 99 95 390 
194

 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024-2028
Pension benefits$717
 $754
 $793
 $831
 $872
 $4,891
Retiree medical and other postretirement benefits84
 75
 71
 66
 64
 280
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
Plan Assets
The objectives of American’s investment policies are to: maintain sufficient income and liquidity to pay retirement benefits; produce a long-term rate of return that meets or exceeds the assumed rate of return for plan assets; limit the volatility of asset performance and funded status; and diversify assets among asset classes and investment managers.
Based on these investment objectives, a long-term strategic asset allocation has been established. This strategic allocation seeks to balance the potential benefit of improving the funded position with the potential risk that the funded position would decline. The current strategic target asset allocation is as follows:
Asset Class/Sub-ClassAllowed Range
Equity60%45% - 85%80%
Public:
U.S. Large20%10% - 50%40%
U.S. Small/Mid2% - 10%
International10% - 25%
International Small/Mid0% - 10%
InternationalEmerging Markets17%2% - 27%15%
Emerging MarketsAlternative Investments5% - 11%
Alternative Investments5% - 20%
Fixed Income15% - 40%
Public:
U.S. Long Duration15% - 30%
Fixed Income20% - 55%
Public:
U.S. Long Duration15% - 45%
High Yield and Emerging Markets0% - 10%
Private Income0% - 10%15%
Cash EquivalentsOther0% - 5%
Cash Equivalents0% - 20%
U.S. long duration bonds are used to partially hedge the assets from declines in interest rates. Public equity as well as high yield and emerging market fixed income securities are used to provide diversification and are expected to generate higher returns over the long-term than U.S. long duration bonds. Public stocks are managed using a value investment approach in order to participate in the returns generated by stocks in the long-term, while reducing year-over-year volatility. U.S. long duration bonds are used to partially hedge the assets from declines in interest rates. Alternative (private) investments are used to provide expected returns in excess of the public markets over the long-term. The pension plan’s master trust also participates in securities lending programs to generate additional income by loaning plan assets to borrowers on a fully collateralized basis. These programs are subject to market risk.
Investments in securities traded on recognized securities exchanges are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last bid price. The money market fund is valued at fair value which represents the net asset value of the shares of such fund as of the close of business at the end of the period. Investments in limited partnerships are carried at estimated net asset value as determined by and reported by the general partners of the partnerships and represent the proportionate share of the estimated fair value of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships. Common/collective trusts are valued at net asset value based on the fair values of the underlying investments of the trusts as determined by the sponsor of the trusts. The pension plan’s master trust also invests in a 103-12 investment entity (the 103-12 Investment Trust) which is designed to invest plan assets of more than one unrelated employer. The 103-12 Investment Trust is valued at net asset value which is determined by the issuer at the end of each month and is based on the aggregate fair value of trust assets less liabilities, divided by the number of units outstanding. No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the year.

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Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The fair value of American’s pension plan assets at December 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, by asset category, arewere as follows (in millions):
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2018 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021
Asset Category
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets 
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 TotalAsset CategoryQuoted Prices in
Active Markets 
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Cash and cash equivalents$23
 $
 $
 $23
Cash and cash equivalents$76 $— $— $76 
Equity securities:       Equity securities:
International markets (a) (b)
3,181
 
 
 3,181
International markets (a), (b)
International markets (a), (b)
2,166 — 2,170 
Large-cap companies (b)
2,021
 
 
 2,021
Large-cap companies (b)
1,860 — — 1,860 
Mid-cap companies (b)
583
 
 
 583
Mid-cap companies (b)
449 — — 449 
Small-cap companies (b)
122
 
 
 122
Small-cap companies (b)
84 — 86 
Mutual funds/exchange traded funds (c)
Mutual funds/exchange traded funds (c)
177 — — 177 
Fixed income:       Fixed income:
Corporate debt (c)(d)

 2,116
 
 2,116
— 2,847 — 2,847 
Government securities (d)(e)

 228
 
 228
— 1,128 — 1,128 
U.S. municipal securities
 40
 
 40
U.S. municipal securities— 19 — 19 
Alternative instruments:       Alternative instruments:
Private market partnerships (e)

 
 7
 7
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (e) (g)

 
 
 1,188
Common/collective trusts (f)

 218
 
 218
Common/collective trusts and 103-12 Investment Trust measured at net asset value (f) (g)

 
 
 227
Private market partnerships (f)
Private market partnerships (f)
— — 52 52 
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (f), (g)
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (f), (g)
— — — 2,827 
Common/collective trusts (h)
Common/collective trusts (h)
— 337 — 337 
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (g), (h)
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (g), (h)
— — — 2,514 
Insurance group annuity contracts
 
 2
 2
Insurance group annuity contracts— — 
Other investmentsOther investments— — 
Dividend and interest receivable47
 
 
 47
Dividend and interest receivable45 — — 45 
Due to/from brokers for sale of securities – net5
 
 
 5
Other liabilities – net(7) 
 
 (7)
Due from brokers for sale of securities – netDue from brokers for sale of securities – net10 — — 10 
Other receivables – netOther receivables – net— — 
Total$5,975
 $2,602
 $9
 $10,001
Total$4,870 $4,336 $58 $14,605 
(a)Holdings are diversified as follows: 14% United Kingdom, 10% Ireland, 10% Japan, 9% Switzerland, 7% France, 6% Germany, 12% emerging markets and the remaining 32% with no concentration greater than 5% in any one country.
(a)
(b)There are no significant concentrations of holdings by company or industry.
(c)Investment includes holdings invested 86% in U.S. treasuries and corporate bonds and 14% in equity securities of international companies.
(d)Includes approximately 81% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating lower than A and 19% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating A or higher. Holdings include 86% U.S. companies, 12% international companies and 2% emerging market companies.
(e)Includes approximately 94% investments in U.S. domestic government securities and 6% in emerging market government securities. There are no significant foreign currency risks within this classification.
(f)Includes limited partnerships that invest primarily in domestic private equity and private income opportunities. The pension plan’s master trust does not have the right to redeem its limited partnership investment at its net asset value, but rather receives distributions as the underlying assets are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be gradually liquidated over the next one to ten years. Additionally, the pension plan’s master trust has future funding commitments of approximately $1.6 billion over the next ten years.
Holdings are diversified as follows: 17% United Kingdom, 10% Japan, 8% France, 7% Switzerland, 6% Ireland, 17% emerging markets and the remaining 35% with no concentration greater than 5% in any one country.
(b)
There are no significant concentrations of holdings by company or industry.
(c)
Includes approximately 77% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating lower than A and 23% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating A or higher. Holdings include 85% U.S. companies, 12% international companies and 3% emerging market companies.
(d)
Includes approximately 32% investments in U.S. domestic government securities, 37% in emerging market government securities and 31% in international government securities. There are no significant foreign currency risks within this classification.
(e)
Includes limited partnerships that invest primarily in U.S. (94%) and European (6%) buyout opportunities of a range of privately held companies. The pension plan’s master trust does not have the right to redeem its limited partnership investment at its net asset value, but rather receives distributions as the underlying assets are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be gradually liquidated over the next one to ten years. Additionally, the pension plan’s master trust has future funding commitments of approximately $1.0 billion over the next ten years.

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(g)Certain investments that are measured using net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient for fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
(h)Investment includes 31% in a common/collective trust investing in large market capitalization equity securities within the U.S., 29% in three common/collective trusts investing in emerging country equity securities, 22% in a common/collective trust investing in equity securities of companies located outside the U.S., 11% in a collective interest trust investing primarily in short-term securities, 6% in a common/collective trust investing in smaller market capitalization equity securities within the U.S. and 1% in Canadian segregated balanced value, income growth and diversified pooled funds. For some trusts, requests for withdrawals must meet specific requirements with advance notice of redemption preferred.
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020
Asset CategoryQuoted Prices in
Active Markets 
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Cash and cash equivalents$40 $— $— $40 
Equity securities:
International markets (a), (b)
2,282 — — 2,282 
Large-cap companies (b)
2,085 — — 2,085 
Mid-cap companies (b)
428 — — 428 
Small-cap companies (b)
73 — 74 
Fixed income:
Corporate debt (c)
— 3,026 — 3,026 
Government securities (d)
— 1,010 — 1,010 
U.S. municipal securities— 30 — 30 
Alternative instruments:
Private market partnerships (e)
— — 15 15 
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (e), (f)
— — — 1,791 
Common/collective trusts (g)
— 259 — 259 
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (f), (g)
— — — 2,384 
Insurance group annuity contracts— — 
Dividend and interest receivable49 — — 49 
Due from brokers for sale of securities – net— — 
Other receivables – net— — 
Total$4,959 $4,326 $17 $13,477 
(f)
Investment includes 45% in an emerging market 103-12 Investment Trust with investments in emerging country equity securities, 37% in a collective interest trust investing primarily in short-term securities, 12% in Canadian segregated balanced value, income growth and diversified pooled funds and 6% in a common/collective trust investing in securities of smaller companies located outside the U.S., including developing markets. For some trusts, requests for withdrawals must meet specific requirements with advance notice of redemption preferred.
(g)
Certain investments that are measured using net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient for fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
Asset Category
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets 
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Cash and cash equivalents$28
 $
 $
 $28
Equity securities:       
International markets (a) (b)
3,837
 
 
 3,837
Large-cap companies (b)
2,451
 
 
 2,451
Mid-cap companies (b)
744
 
 
 744
Small-cap companies (b)
125
 
 
 125
Fixed income:       
Corporate bonds (c)

 2,344
 
 2,344
Government securities (d)

 238
 
 238
U.S. municipal securities
 39
 
 39
Alternative instruments:       
Private market partnerships (e)

 
 14
 14
Private market partnerships measured at net asset value (e) (g)

 
 
 879
Common/collective trusts (f)

 315
 
 315
Common/collective trusts and 103-12 Investment Trust measured at net asset value (f) (g)

 
 
 283
Insurance group annuity contracts
 
 2
 2
Dividend and interest receivable44
 
 
 44
Due to/from brokers for sale of securities – net3
 
 
 3
Other liabilities – net(6) 
 
 (6)
Total$7,226
 $2,936
 $16
 $11,340
(a)
(a)Holdings are diversified as follows: 11% Switzerland, 11% Ireland, 10% United Kingdom, 9% France, 8% Japan, 7% Germany, 6% Netherlands, 13% emerging markets and the remaining 25% with no concentration greater than 5% in any one country.
(b)There are no significant concentrations of holdings by company or industry.
(c)Includes approximately 77% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating lower than A and 23% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating A or higher. Holdings include 89% U.S. companies, 9% international companies and 2% emerging market companies.
(d)Includes approximately 89% investments in U.S. domestic government securities, 9% in emerging market government securities and 2% in international government securities. There are no significant foreign currency risks within this classification.
Holdings are diversified as follows: 17% United Kingdom, 11% Japan, 9% France, 6% Switzerland, 16% emerging markets and the remaining 41% with no concentration greater than 5% in any one country.
(b)
There are no significant concentrations of holdings by company or industry.
(c)
Includes approximately 76% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating lower than A and 24% investments in corporate debt with a S&P rating A or higher. Holdings include 85% U.S. companies, 12% international companies and 3% emerging market companies.
(d)
Includes approximately 27% investments in U.S. domestic government securities, 43% in emerging market government securities and 30% in international government securities. There are no significant foreign currency risks within this classification.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

(e)Includes limited partnerships that invest primarily in domestic private equity and private income opportunities. The pension plan’s master trust does not have the right to redeem its limited partnership investment at its net asset value, but rather receives distributions as the underlying assets are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be gradually liquidated over the next one to ten years. Additionally, the pension plan’s master trust has future funding commitments of approximately $1.6 billion over the next ten years.
(e)
Includes limited partnerships that invest primarily in U.S. (94%) and European (6%) buyout opportunities of a range of privately held companies. The pension plan’s master trust does not have the right to redeem its limited partnership investment at its net asset value, but rather receives distributions as the underlying assets are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of these funds will be gradually liquidated over the next one to ten years. Additionally, the pension plan’s master trust has future funding commitments of approximately $903 million over the next ten years.
(f)
Investment includes 42% in a collective interest trust investing primarily in short-term securities, 40% in an emerging market 103-12 Investment Trust with investments in emerging country equity securities, 10% in Canadian segregated balanced value, income growth and diversified pooled funds and 8% in a common/collective trust investing in securities of smaller companies located outside the U.S., including developing markets. For some trusts, requests for withdrawals must meet specific requirements with advance notice of redemption preferred.
(g)
(f)Certain investments that are measured using net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient for fair value have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Changes in fair value measurementshave not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of Level 3 investments during the year ended December 31, 2018, were as follows (in millions):fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 Private Market Partnerships 
Insurance Group
Annuity Contracts
Beginning balance at December 31, 2017$14
 $2
Actual loss on plan assets:   
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date(2) 
Purchases1
 
Sales(6) 
Ending balance at December 31, 2018$7
 $2
(g)Investment includes 34% in a common/collective trust investing in large market capitalization equity securities within the U.S., 30% in three common/collective trusts investing in emerging country equity securities, 21% in a common/collective trust investing in equity securities of companies located outside the U.S., 9% in a collective interest trust investing primarily in short-term securities, 5% in a common/collective trust investing in smaller market capitalization equity securities within the U.S. and 1% in Canadian segregated balanced value, income growth and diversified pooled funds. For some trusts, requests for withdrawals must meet specific requirements with advance notice of redemption preferred.
Changes in fair value measurements of Level 3 investments during the yearyears ended December 31, 2017,2021 and 2020, were as follows (in millions):
 
Private Market
Partnerships
 
Insurance Group
Annuity Contracts
Beginning balance at December 31, 2016$21
 $2
Actual loss on plan assets:   
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date(4) 
Purchases1
 
Sales(1) 
Transfers out(3) 
Ending balance at December 31, 2017$14
 $2
20212020
Balance at beginning of year$17 $12 
Actual gain on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date10 
Purchases32 
Sales(1)— 
Balance at end of year$58 $17 
The fair value of American’s retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plansplans’ assets at December 31, 2018 by asset category, were as follows (in millions):
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021
Asset CategoryQuoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Money market fund$$— $— $
Mutual funds – AAL Class— 163 — 163 
Total$$163 $— $167 
 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2018
Asset Category
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Money market fund$4
 $
 $
 $4
Mutual funds – AAL Class
 221
 
 221
Total$4
 $221
 $
 $225



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

The fair value of American’s retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans assets at December 31, 2017 by asset category, were as follows (in millions):
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020
Asset Category
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 TotalAsset CategoryQuoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Money market fund$5
 $
 $
 $5
Money market fund$$— $— $
Mutual funds – AAL Class
 290
 
 290
Mutual funds – AAL Class— 166 — 166 
Total$5
 $290
 $
 $295
Total$$166 $— $170 
Investments in the retiree medical and other postretirement benefits plans’ mutual funds are valued by quoted prices on the active market, which is fair value, and represents the net asset value of the shares of such funds as of the close of business at the end of the period. The AAL Class mutual fund restricts trading only to American, resulting in a fair value classification of Level 2. Investments included approximately 30% of investments in non-U.S. common stocks in both 2018 and 2017. Net asset value is based on the fair market value of the funds’ underlying assets and liabilities at the date of determination. The AAL Class mutual funds are offered only to benefit plans of American, therefore, trading is restricted only to American, resulting in a fair value classification of Level 2. Investments included approximately 24% and 25% of investments in non-U.S. common stocks in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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Defined Contribution and Multiemployer Plans
American contributed $856The costs associated with American’s defined contribution plans were $893 million, $844$835 million and $761$836 million to its defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively.
American participates in the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) National Pension Fund, Employer Identification No. 51-6031295 and Plan No. 002 (the IAM Pension Fund). American’s contributions to the IAM Pension Fund were $43 million, $40 million and $32 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The IAM Pension Fund reported $494 million in employers’ contributions for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is the most recent year for which such information is available. For 2020, American’s contributions represented more than 5% of total contributions to the IAM Pension Fund.
On March 29, 2019, the actuary for the IAM Pension Fund certified that the fund was in “endangered” status despite reporting a funded status of over 80%. Additionally, the IAM Pension Fund’s Board voluntarily elected to enter into “critical” status on April 17, 2019. Upon entry into critical status, the IAM Pension Fund was required by law to adopt a rehabilitation plan aimed at restoring the financial health of the pension plan and did so on April 17, 2019 (the Rehabilitation Plan). Under the Rehabilitation Plan, American was subject to an immaterial contribution surcharge, which ceased to apply June 14, 2019 upon American’s mandatory adoption of a contribution schedule under the Rehabilitation Plan. The contribution schedule requires 2.5% annual increases to its contribution rate. This contribution schedule will remain in effect through the earlier of December 31, 2031 or the date the IAM Pension Fund emerges from critical status.
Profit Sharing Program
American accrues 5% of its pre-tax income excluding net special items for its profit sharing program. For the year ended December 31, 2018, American accrued $175 millionAs a result of American’s pre-tax loss excluding net special items, there will not be a payout for this program, which will be distributed to employees in the first quarter of 2019.2021 under its profit sharing program.
9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of AOCI are as follows (in millions):
 Pension,
Retiree
Medical and
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 Unrealized Loss on Investments 
Income Tax
Benefit
(Provision)
 (1)
 Total
Balance at December��31, 2016$(4,394) $
 $(788) $(5,182)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(27) (1) 14
 (14)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(87) 
 32
(2) 
(55)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(114) (1) 46
 (69)
Balance at December 31, 2017(4,508) (1) (742) (5,251)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(61) (4) 15
 (50)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(89) 
 20
(2) 
(69)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(150) (4) 35
 (119)
Balance at December 31, 2018$(4,658) $(5) $(707) $(5,370)
Pension,
Retiree
Medical and
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Unrealized Loss on Investments
Income Tax
Benefit
(Provision)
(1)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019$(5,218)$(2)$(1,203)$(6,423)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(1,043)— 236 (807)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI46 — (10)(2)36 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(997)— 226 (771)
Balance at December 31, 2020(6,215)(2)(977)(7,194)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications1,289 — (292)997 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI202 — (46)(2)156 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)1,491 — (338)1,153 
Balance at December 31, 2021$(4,724)$(2)$(1,315)$(6,041)
(1)
(1)Relates principally to pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations that will not be recognized in net loss until the obligations are fully extinguished.
(2)Relates to pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations and is recognized within the income tax benefit on American’s consolidated statements of operations.
Relates principally to pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations that will not be recognized in net income until the obligations are fully extinguished.
(2)
Relates to pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits obligations and is recognized within the income tax provision on American’s consolidated statements of operations.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

Reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 20182021 and 20172020 are as follows (in millions):
Amounts reclassified from AOCI Affected line items on the
consolidated statements of
operations
Amounts reclassified from AOCIAffected line items on the
consolidated statements of
operations
Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,
AOCI Components2018 2017 AOCI Components20212020
Amortization of pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits:    Amortization of pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits:
Prior service benefit$(161) $(132) Nonoperating other income, net
Prior service cost (benefit)Prior service cost (benefit)$11 $(82)Nonoperating other income, net
Actuarial loss92
 77
 Nonoperating other income, netActuarial loss145 118 Nonoperating other income, net
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax$(69) $(55) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax$156 $36 
Amounts allocated to other comprehensive income (OCI)(loss) for income taxes as further described in Note 5 will remain in AOCI until American ceases all related activities, such as termination of the pension plan.
10. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
(a) Aircraft, Engine and Other Purchase Commitments
Under all of American’s aircraft and engine purchase agreements, its total future commitments as of December 31, 20182021 are expected to be as follows (approximately, in millions):
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Payments for aircraft commitments and certain engines (1)
$2,906
 $1,683
 $994
 $1,378
 $1,450
 $6,047
 $14,458
202220232024202520262027 and ThereafterTotal
Payments for aircraft and engine commitments (1)
$1,987 $1,851 $3,358 $3,535 $1,663 $688 $13,082 
(1)
(1)These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers. American’s purchase deposits held by all manufacturers totaled $517 million and $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of delivery of certain aircraft, the amounts in the table represent American’s most current estimate; however, the actual delivery schedule may differ from the table above, potentially materially.
On January 31, 2022, American entered into an amended purchase agreement with The Boeing Company (Boeing) pursuant to which it agreed to purchase 23 additional Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft through the conversion of existing purchase options. American also intends to exercise purchase options for an additional 7 aircraft in 2022, bringing its total incremental firm order of Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft to 30, with 15 of such aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 15 scheduled to be delivered in 2024. In addition, American entered into an amended purchase agreement with Boeing to defer the delivery of certain Boeing 787 Family aircraft previously scheduled to be delivered beginning in January 2023. Pursuant to this amendment, deliveries of these aircraft are now scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will continue into 2027. The table above reflects American’s purchase commitments after giving effect to these amendments and assumes American’s exercise of the 7 737 MAX Family aircraft purchase options mentioned above.
Additionally, the amounts in the table exclude 10 and 3 Boeing 787-8 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and 4 and 1 Boeing 787-9 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 2024, respectively, for which American has obtained committed lease financing. See Note 4 for information regarding this operating lease commitment.
These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers and include all commitments for regional aircraft. American has granted a security interest in certain of its purchase deposits with Boeing. American’s purchase deposits held by all manufacturers totaled $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2018.
Additionally, American has purchase commitments related to jetaircraft fuel, flight equipment maintenance, construction projects and information technology support as follows (approximately): $1.9$4.4 billion in 2019, $1.12022, $1.8 billion in 2020, $1.02023, $1.4 billion in 2021, $322024, $154 million in 2022 and $72025, $610 million in 2023.2026 and $942 million in 2027 and thereafter.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
(b) Capacity Purchase Agreements with Third-Party Regional Carriers
American has capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers. The capacity purchase agreements provide that all revenues, including passenger, in-flight, ancillary, mail and freight revenues, go to American. American controls marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories. In return, American agrees to pay predetermined fees to these airlines for operating an agreed-upon number of aircraft, without regard to the number of passengers on board. In addition, these agreements provide that American either reimburses or pays 100% of certain variable costs, such as airport landing fees, fuel and passenger liability insurance. American controls marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories.
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American’s capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers had expiration dates ranging from 20192022 to 2027,2033, with rights of American to extend the respective terms of certain agreements. See Part I, Item 2. Properties for unaudited information on the aircraft operated by third-party regional carriers under such capacity purchase agreements.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

As of December 31, 2018,2021, American’s minimum fixed obligations under its capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers are as follows (approximately, in millions):
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Minimum fixed obligations under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers (1)
$1,101
 $930
 $765
 $618
 $487
 $1,043
 $4,944
202220232024202520262027 and ThereafterTotal
Minimum obligations under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers (1)
$1,495 $1,834 $1,875 $1,729 $1,123 $2,317 $10,373 
(1)
(1)Represents minimum payments under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, which are estimates of costs based on assumed minimum levels of flying under the capacity purchase agreements and American’s actual payments could differ materially. Excludes payments for the lease of certain aircraft under capacity purchase agreements, which are reflected in the operating lease obligations in Note 4.
Represents minimum payments under capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, which are estimates of costs based on assumed minimum levels of flying under the capacity purchase agreements and American’s actual payments could differ materially. Excludes payments for the lease of certain aircraft under capacity purchase agreements, which are reflected in the operating lease obligations in Note 4.
(c) Airport Redevelopment
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
From time to time, airports where American has operations engage in construction projects, often substantial, that result in new or improved facilities that are ultimately funded through increases in the rent and other occupancy costs payable by airlines using the airport. Unlike this construction and funding model, American is managing a project at LAX where it has legal title to the assets during construction. In 2018, American executed a lease agreement with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which owns and operates LAX, in connection with a $1.6 billion modernization project related to LAX Terminals 4 and 5. Construction, will occur in a phased approach, which started in October 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2028.2028, will occur in a phased approach. The modernization project will include a unified departure hall to combine the entranceway of Terminals 4 and 5, reconfigured ticket counter and check-in areas with seamless access to security screening areas, 1610 new security screening lanes with automated technology in addition to the existing Terminal 5 lanes, and a new Terminal 4 South concourse with more open and upgraded amenities at gate areas. The project will also include renovated break rooms, multi-use meeting rooms and team gathering spaces throughout the terminals to support American’s team members at LAX.
American is managing this project and has legal title to the assets during their construction. As each phase is completed and ready for use, the assets will be sold and transferred to LAWA, including the site improvements and non-proprietary improvements. As American controls the assets during construction, they are recognized on its balance sheet until legal titlethe assets are sold and transferred to LAWA. As of December 31, 2021, American has transferred. For 2018, American incurred approximately $7$338 million in costs relating to the LAX modernization project, of which are$112 million, $114 million and $98 million were incurred during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and have been included within operating property and equipment on its consolidated balance sheet assheets and included within airport construction projects, net of reimbursements on its consolidated statements of cash flows. As of December 31, 2018.2021, American has sold and transferred $132 million of non-proprietary improvements to LAWA, of which $21 million occurred during 2021. For non-proprietary improvements which are not yet ready for use, any cash payments received from LAWA will be reflected as a financial liability. As of December 31, 2021, American has received $88 million in cash proceeds for non-proprietary improvements which are not yet ready for use, and therefore have not been sold and transferred back to LAWA. These proceeds are currently included in other accrued liabilities on American’s consolidated balance sheet and are reflected as financing activities on its consolidated statement of cash flows.
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JFK
In January 2020, American and British Airways announced the start of construction projects to upgrade New York's JFK Terminal 8 (the Terminal). The renovation projects at the Terminal include: (i) the reconfiguration or elimination of certain existing gates and the construction of widebody gates, (ii) the construction of approximately 51,000 square feet of new terminal building space and the refurbishment of 73,300 square feet of existing terminal space, (iii) the expansion of the baggage system capacity of the Terminal, (iv) improvements to the premium passenger lounges, check-in and, potentially, security access areas, and (v) bathroom refreshment, new signage, and other upgrades. The construction project is currently scheduled to be completed in 2023 and is estimated to cost $439 million. In 2021, $118 million was spent on construction projects to upgrade the Terminal and has been included in airport construction projects, net of reimbursements on American’s consolidated statement of cash flows.
(d) Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
AircraftPass-Through Trusts
American currently operates 389has 344 owned aircraft, and 8811 leased aircraft and 60 owned spare aircraft engines, which in each case were financed with EETCs issued by pass-through trusts. These trusts are off-balance sheet entities, the primary purpose of which is to finance the acquisition of flight equipment or to permit issuance of debt backed by existing flight equipment. RatherIn the case of aircraft EETCs, rather than finance each aircraft separately when such aircraft is purchased, delivered or refinanced, these trusts allow American to raise the financing for a number of aircraft at one time and, if applicable, place such funds in escrow pending a future purchase, delivery or refinancing of the relevant aircraft. Similarly, in the case of the spare engine EETCs, the trusts allow American to use its existing pool of spare engines to raise financing under a single facility. The trusts werehave also been structured to provide for certain credit enhancements, such as liquidity facilities to cover certain interest payments, that reduce the risks to the purchasers of the trust certificates and, as a result, reduce the cost of aircraft financing to American.
Each trust covers a set number of aircraft or spare engines scheduled to be delivered, financed or refinanced upon the issuance of the EETC or within a specific period of time thereafter. At the time of each covered aircraft or spare engine financing, the relevant trust used the proceeds of the issuance of the EETC (which may have been available at the time of issuance thereof or held in escrow until financing of the applicable aircraft following its delivery) to purchase equipment notes relating to the financed aircraft.aircraft or engines. The equipment notes are issued, at American’s election, in connection with a mortgage financing of the aircraft or spare engines or, in certain cases, by a separate owner trust in connection with a leveraged lease financing of the aircraft. In the case of a leveraged lease financing, the owner trust then leases the aircraft to American. In both cases, the equipment notes are secured by a security interest in the aircraft.aircraft or engines, as applicable. The pass-through trust certificates are not direct obligations of, nor are they guaranteed by, AAG or American. However, in the case of mortgage financings, the equipment notes issued to the trusts are direct obligations of American and, in certain instances, have been guaranteed by AAG. As of December 31, 2018, $11.62021, $9.4 billion associated with these mortgage financings is reflected as debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
With respect to leveraged leases, American evaluated whether the leases had characteristics of a variable interest entity. American concluded the leasing entities met the criteria for variable interest entities. American generally is not the primary beneficiary of the leasing entities if the lease terms are consistent with market terms at the inception of the lease and do not include a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option or similar feature that obligates American to absorb decreases


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

in value or entitles American to participate in increases in the value of the aircraft. American does not provide residual value guarantees to the bondholders or equity participants in the trusts. Some leases have a fair market value or a fixed price purchase option that allows American to purchase the aircraft at or near the end of the lease term. However, the option price approximates an estimate of the aircraft’s fair value at the option date. Under this feature, American does not participate in any increases in the value of the aircraft.entities; however, American concluded it is not the primary beneficiary under these arrangements. Therefore, Americanleasing arrangements and accounts for the majority of its EETC leveraged lease financings as operating leases. American’s total future payments to the trusts of each of the relevant EETCs under these leveraged lease financings are $352$20 million as ofDecember 31, 2018,2021, which are reflected in the operating lease obligations in Note 4.
Letters of Credit and Other
American provides financial assurance, such as letters of credit, surety bonds or restricted cash and investments, primarily to support projected workers’ compensation obligations and airport commitments. As of December 31, 2018,2021, American had $460$439 million of letters of credit and surety bonds securing various obligations.obligations, of which $94 million is collateralized with American’s restricted cash. The letters of credit and surety bonds that are subject to expiration will expire on various dates through 2022.2025.
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(e) Legal Proceedings
Chapter 11 Cases. On November 29, 2011, AMR, American, and certain of AMR’s other direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (the Debtors) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the Bankruptcy Court). On October 21, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving and confirming the Debtors’ fourth amended joint plan of reorganization (as amended, the Plan). On the Effective Date, December 9, 2013, the Debtors consummated their reorganization pursuant to the Plan and completed the Merger.
Pursuant to rulings of the Bankruptcy Court, theThe Plan established the Disputed Claims Reservea disputed claims reserve (DCR) to hold shares of AAG common stock reserved for issuance to disputed claimholders at the Effective Date that ultimately become holders of allowed claims. The shares of AAG common stock issued to the Disputed Claims ReserveDCR were originally issued on December 13, 2013, and have at all times since been included in the number of shares issued and outstanding as reported by AAG from time to time in its quarterly and annual reports, including for purposes of calculating earnings per common share. As disputed claims are resolved, the claimants will receive distributions of shares from the Disputed Claims Reserve. However,DCR. American is not required to distribute additional shares above the limits contemplated by the Plan, even if the shares remaining for distribution in the Disputed Claims ReserveDCR are not sufficient to fully pay any additional allowed unsecured claims. ToOn November 29, 2021, the extentBankruptcy Court granted American’s motion to close the bankruptcy case. The motion authorized American to settle various bankruptcy-related claims, distribute excess reserved funds held in the DCR, excluding shares set aside for an earlier settlement of a claim that any of the reserved shares remain undistributed upon resolution of all remaining disputed claims, such shares will not be returned to AAG but rather willcannot be distributed until all appeals are final, and to former AMR stockholders and former convertible noteholders treated as stockholders underclose the Plan.Chapter 11 cases. On February 12, 2019,December 7, 2021, in accordance with the approval granted by the Bankruptcy Court, on December 6, 2018, an aggregate ofAmerican distributed approximately 17.34.5 million shares of AAG common stock were distributed from the Disputed Claims ReserveDCR to former AMR shareholdersstockholders, to former convertible noteholders treated as stockholders under the Plan and convertible noteholders. After giving effect to this distribution, the Disputed Claims Reserve holds approximately 7.2claimants. As of December 31, 2021, 0.3 million shares of AAG common stock.stock remain in the DCR to be available to resolve an outstanding claim.
Private Party Antitrust Action Related to Passenger Capacity. American, along with Delta Air Lines, Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., United Airlines, Inc. and, in the case of litigation filed in Canada, Air Canada, have beenwere named as defendants in approximately 100 putative class action lawsuits alleging unlawful agreements with respect to air passenger capacity. The U.S. lawsuits have beenwere consolidated in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia (the DC Court). On June 15, 2018, American reached a preliminary settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the amount of $45 million that, once approved, willto resolve all class claims in the U.S. lawsuits. That settlement received preliminary approval fromwas approved by the DC Court on June 18, 2018.May 13, 2019, however three parties who objected to the settlement have appealed that decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. American believes these appeals are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.
Private Party Antitrust Action Related to the Merger. On August 6, 2013, a lawsuit captioned Carolyn Fjord, et al., v. AMR Corporation, et al., was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.Court. The complaint named as defendants US Airways Group, US Airways, Inc., AMR and American, alleged that the effect of the Merger may be to create a monopoly in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Antitrust Act, and sought injunctive relief and/or divestiture. On November 27, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court denied plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily enjoin the Merger. On August 29, 2018, the Bankruptcy Court denied in part defendants' motion for summary judgment, and fully denied plaintiffs' cross-motion for summary judgment. AThe parties' evidentiary cases were presented before the Bankruptcy Court in a bench trial is presently scheduled forin March 2019 and the parties submitted proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and made closing arguments in April 2019. On January 29, 2021, the Bankruptcy Court published its decision finding in American’s favor. The plaintiffs have appealed this ruling to the U.S. District Court, which remains pending. American believes this lawsuit is without merit and intends to continue to vigorously defend against it, including against plaintiffs' appeal of the allegations.Bankruptcy Court's January 29, 2021 ruling.
DOJ InvestigationGovernment Antitrust Action Related to the Northeast Alliance. On September 21, 2021, the United States Postal Service. In April 2015, the Department of Justice (DOJ) informed, joined by Attorneys General from six states and the District of Columbia, filed an antitrust complaint against American of an inquiry regarding American’s 2009 and 2011 contractsJetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue) alleging that American and JetBlue violated U.S. antitrust laws in connection with the United States Postal Service for the international transportationpreviously disclosed Northeast Alliance (NEA) arrangement. American believes this complaint is without merit and intends to defend against it vigorously.
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Table of mail by air. In October 2015, American received a Civil Investigative Demand from the DOJ seeking certainContents



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

informationAlso on September 21, 2021, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) published a Clarification Notice relating to these contractsthe agreement that had been reached between the DOT, American, and JetBlue in January 2021, at the conclusion of the DOT’s review of the NEA (DOT Agreement). The DOT Clarification Notice stated, among other things, that the DOT Agreement remains in force during the pendency of the DOJ action against the NEA and, while the DOT retains independent statutory authority to prohibit unfair methods of competition in air transportation, the DOT intends to defer to DOJ to resolve the antitrust concerns that DOJ has also sought information concerning certainidentified with respect to the NEA. The DOT simultaneously published a Notice Staying Proceeding in relation to a complaint by Spirit Airlines, Inc. regarding the NEA, pending resolution of the airlines that transport mail on a codeshare basis. The DOJ has indicated it is investigating potential violations of the False Claims Act or other statutes. American is cooperating fully with the DOJ with regard to its investigation.action described above.
General. In addition to the specifically identified legal proceedings, American and its subsidiaries are also engaged in other legal proceedings from time to time. Legal proceedings can be complex and take many months, or even years, to reach resolution, with the final outcome depending on a number of variables, some of which are not within American’s control. Therefore, although American will vigorously defend itself in each of the actions described above and such other legal proceedings, their ultimate resolution and potential financial and other impacts on American are uncertain but could be material. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors –“We may be a party to litigation in the normal course of business or otherwise, which could affect our financial position and liquidity” for additional discussion.
(f) Guarantees and Indemnifications
American is a party to many routine contracts in which it provides general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. American is not able to estimate the potential amount of any liability resulting from the indemnities. These indemnities are discussed in the following paragraphs.
In its aircraft financing agreements, American generally indemnifies the financing parties, trustees acting on their behalf and other relevant parties against liabilities (including certain taxes) resulting from the financing, manufacture, design, ownership, operation and maintenance of the aircraft regardless of whether these liabilities (including certain taxes) relate to the negligence of the indemnified parties.
American’s loan agreements and other LIBOR-based financing transactions (including certain leveraged aircraft leases) generally obligate American to reimburse the applicable lender for incremental costs due to a change in law that imposes (i) any reserve or special deposit requirement against assets of, deposits with or credit extended by such lender related to the loan, (ii) any tax, duty or other charge with respect to the loan (except standard income tax) or (iii) capital adequacy requirements. In addition, American’s loan agreements and other financing arrangements typically contain a withholding tax provision that requires American to pay additional amounts to the applicable lender or other financing party, generally if withholding taxes are imposed on such lender or other financing party as a result of a change in the applicable tax law.
In certain transactions, including certain aircraft financing leases and loans, the lessors, lenders and/or other parties have rights to terminate the transaction based on changes in foreign tax law, illegality or certain other events or circumstances. In such a case, American may be required to make a lump sum payment to terminate the relevant transaction.
American has general indemnity clauses in many of its airport and other real estate leases where American as lessee indemnifies the lessor (and related parties) against liabilities related to American’s use of the leased property. Generally, these indemnifications cover liabilities resulting from the negligence of the indemnified parties, but not liabilities resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the indemnified parties. In addition, American provides environmental indemnities in many of these leases for contamination related to American’s use of the leased property.
Under certain contracts with third parties, American indemnifies the third-party against legal liability arising out of an action by the third-party, or certain other parties. The terms of these contracts vary and the potential exposure under these indemnities cannot be determined. American has liability insurance protecting American for some of the obligations it has undertaken under these indemnities.
American is required to make principal and interest payments for certain special facility revenue bonds issued by municipalities primarily to build or improve airport facilities and purchase equipment, which are leased to American. The payment of principal and interest of certain special facility revenue bonds is guaranteed by American. As of December 31, 2018,2021, the remaining lease payments through 2035 guaranteeing the principal and interest on these bonds are $588$555 million and the current carrying amount of the associated operating lease liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is $321 million.
As
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Table of December 31, 2018, American had issued guarantees covering AAG’s $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes due 2019 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due 2020.Contents



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

As of December 31, 2021, American had issued guarantees covering AAG’s $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of the PSP1 Promissory Note due April 2030, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the PSP2 Promissory Note due January 2031, $946 million aggregate principal amount of the PSP3 Promissory Note due April 2031, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.50% convertible senior notes due July 2025, $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% senior notes due June 2022 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% senior notes due March 2025.
(g) Credit Card Processing Agreements
American has agreements with companies that process customer credit card transactions for the sale of air travel and other services. American’s agreements allow these credit card processing companies, under certain conditions, to hold an amount of its cash (referred to as a holdback) equal to all or a portion of advance ticket sales that have been processed by that company, but for which American has not yet provided the air transportation. AdditionalThese holdback requirements incan be modified at the eventdiscretion of the credit card processing companies upon the occurrence of specific events, including material adverse changes in American’s financial condition will reduce itsor the triggering of a liquidity in the form of unrestricted cash by the amount of the holdbacks.covenant. These credit card processing companies are not currently entitled to maintain any holdbacks pursuant to these requirements.holdbacks. The imposition of holdback requirements would reduce American’s liquidity.
(h) Labor Negotiations
As of December 31, 2018,2021, American employed approximately 102,90096,800 active full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. Approximately 84% ofOf the total active FTE employees, 87% are covered by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with various labor unions and approximately 24% of employees54% are covered by CBAs that are currently amendable or that will become amendable within one year. Negotiations are continuing for jointJoint collective bargaining agreements (JCBAs) covering American’s maintenance, fleet service, stock clerks, maintenance control technicians and maintenance training instructors. Additionally, the post-Merger JCBAs covering American’smainline pilots, and flight attendants, while not yet amendable, provide the unions with the right to elect to commence negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements in advance of each JCBA’s amendable date. Each of the unions has exercised these rightspassenger service, flight simulator engineers and negotiationsdispatchers are underway for new agreements as described in Part I, Item 1. Business - “Employees and Labor Relations”. There is no assurance that a successful or timely resolution of these labor negotiations will be achieved.now amendable.
11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows (in millions):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Equity investment$88 $— $— 
Settlement of bankruptcy obligations56 
Deferred financing costs paid through issuance of debt— 17 — 
Supplemental information:
Interest paid, net1,481 877 1,025 
Income taxes paid
 Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Non-cash investing and financing activities:     
Equity investment$
 $120
 $
Settlement of bankruptcy obligations
 15
 3
Supplemental information:     
Interest paid, net1,009
 942
 867
Income taxes paid16
 18
 14
12. Operating Segments and Related Disclosures
American is managed as a single business unit that provides air transportation for passengers and cargo. This allows it to benefit from an integrated revenue pricing and route network that includes American and AAG’s wholly-owned and third-party regional carriers that fly under capacity purchase agreements operating as American Eagle. The flight equipment of all these carriers is combined to form one1 fleet that is deployed through a single route scheduling system. Financial information and annual operational plans and forecasts are prepared and reviewed by the chief operating decision maker at the consolidated level. When making operational decisions, the chief operating decision maker evaluates flight profitability data, which considers aircraft type and route economics, but is indifferent to the results of the individual regional carriers. The objective in making operational decisions is to maximize consolidated financial results, not the individual results of American or American Eagle.
See Note 1(k)1(l) for American’s passenger revenuesrevenue by geographic region. American’s tangible assets consist primarily of flight equipment, which are mobile across geographic markets and, therefore, have not been allocated.
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13. Share-based Compensation
The 2013 AAG Incentive Award Plan (the 2013 Plan) provides that awards may be in the form of an option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, performance award, dividend equivalent award, deferred stock award, deferred stock unit award, stock payment award or stock appreciation right. The 2013 Plan initially authorized the grant of awards for the issuance of up to 40 million shares. Any shares underlying awards granted under the 2013 Plan or any pre-existing US Airways Group plan, that are forfeited, terminate or are settled in cash (in whole or in part) without the delivery of shares will again be available for grant.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

American’sFor the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, American recorded $95 million, $91 million and $95 million, respectively, of share-based compensation costs principally in salaries, wages and benefits expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 included $88 million, $90 million and $102 million, respectively,on its consolidated statements of share-based compensation costs.operations.
During 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, AAG withheld approximately 0.81.0 million, 1.10.7 million and 1.40.8 million shares of AAG common stock, respectively, and paid approximately $37$18 million, $51$15 million and $56$25 million, respectively, in satisfaction of certain tax withholding obligations associated with employee equity awards.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs)
AAG has grantedThe majority of American’s RSUs withhave service conditions (time vested primarily over three years) and performance conditions.. The grant-date fair value of these RSUs is equal to the market price of the underlying shares of AAG common stock on the date of grant. For time vested awards, theThe expense for these RSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award. For awards with performance conditions, the expense is recognized based on the expected achievement at each reporting period. Stock-settled RSUs are classified as equity awards as the vesting results in the issuance of shares of AAG common stock.
Stock-settled RSU award activity for all plans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 is as follows:
Number of SharesWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands) 
(In thousands)  
Outstanding at December 31, 20155,607
 $38.08
Outstanding at December 31, 2018Outstanding at December 31, 20184,320 $44.29 
Granted2,655
 41.34
Granted3,206 34.00 
Vested and released(2,754) 34.83
Vested and released(2,002)44.90 
Forfeited(321) 40.15
Forfeited(337)42.55 
Outstanding at December 31, 20165,187
 $41.48
Outstanding at December 31, 2019Outstanding at December 31, 20195,187 $37.01 
Granted2,309
 48.58
Granted5,883 22.07 
Vested and released(2,708) 39.63
Vested and released(2,268)39.46 
Forfeited(464) 44.48
Forfeited(920)29.78 
Outstanding at December 31, 20174,324
 $46.94
Outstanding at December 31, 2020Outstanding at December 31, 20207,882 $23.66 
Granted2,194
 47.65
Granted5,525 18.34 
Vested and released(1,999) 44.99
Vested and released(3,314)25.58 
Forfeited(199) 45.72
Forfeited(692)18.78 
Outstanding at December 31, 20184,320
 $44.29
Outstanding at December 31, 2021Outstanding at December 31, 20219,401 $20.17 
As of December 31, 2018,2021, there was $111$95 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-settled RSUs. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year. The total fair value of stock-settled RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 was $91$62 million, $123$51 million and $107$68 million, respectively.
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14.  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in millions)
 Balance at Beginning of Year Additions Charged to Statement of Operations Accounts Deductions Balance at End of Year
Allowance for obsolescence of spare parts       
Year ended December 31, 2018$717
 $57
 $(20) $754
Year ended December 31, 2017720
 18
 (21) 717
Year ended December 31, 2016689
 28
 3
 720
Allowance for uncollectible accounts       
Year ended December 31, 2018$21
 $39
 $(36) $24
Year ended December 31, 201735
 41
 (55) 21
Year ended December 31, 201637
 47
 (49) 35


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

14. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in millions)
Balance at Beginning of YearAdditions Charged to Statement of Operations AccountsDeductionsBalance at
End of Year
Allowance for obsolescence of spare parts
Year ended December 31, 2021$442 $165 $(19)$588 
Year ended December 31, 2020729 81 (368)442 
Year ended December 31, 2019754 79 (104)729 
Allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable
Year ended December 31, 2021$29 $21 $(22)$28 
Year ended December 31, 202025 25 (21)29 
Year ended December 31, 201924 17 (16)25 
15.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Unaudited summarized financial data by quarter for 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
2018 (1)
       
Operating revenues$10,398
 $11,640
 $11,556
 $10,936
Operating expenses9,986
 10,626
 10,850
 10,344
Operating income412
 1,014
 706
 592
Net income209
 609
 433
 407
        
2017       
Operating revenues$9,817
 $11,224
 $10,962
 $10,607
Operating expenses9,077
 9,633
 9,713
 9,982
Operating income740
 1,591
 1,249
 625
Net income (loss)369
 888
 686
 (658)
(1)
In the fourth quarter of 2018, American adopted the New Lease Standard as of January 1, 2018. In accordance with the New Lease Standard, prior 2018 periods have been recast to reflect the effects of this adoption. See Note 1(b) and Note 4 for further discussion of the New Lease Standard.
American’s fourth quarter 2018 results include $220 million of total net special items that principally included $146 million of fleet restructuring expenses, $81 million of merger integration expenses, $37 million of severance costs associated with reductions of management and support staff team members, $22 million of mark-to-market net unrealized losses associated with certain equity investments, offset in part by a $37 million net credit resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations and a $22 million income tax credit as a result of the reversal of the valuation allowance previously recognized in the first quarter of 2018 related to American’s estimated refund for AMT credits, which is no longer subject to sequestration.
American’s fourth quarter 2017 results include $1.2 billion of total net special items that principally included a $123 million charge for the $1,000 cash bonus and associated payroll taxes granted to mainline employees as of December 31, 2017 in recognition of the 2017 Tax Act, $81 million of merger integration expenses, $58 million of fleet restructuring expenses, a $20 million net charge resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations and a $924 million special non-cash charge to reflect the impact of lower corporate income tax rates on the Company’s deferred tax asset and liabilities due to the 2017 Tax Act, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
16. Transactions with Related Parties
The following represents the net receivables (payables) to related parties (in millions):
 December 31,
 2018 2017
AAG (1)
$12,808
 $10,968
AAG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (2)
(2,142) (2,146)
Total$10,666
 $8,822
December 31,
 20212020
AAG (1)
$7,613 $9,940 
AAG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (2)
(2,066)(2,063)
Total$5,547 $7,877 
(1)
The increase in American’s net related party receivable from AAG is primarily due to American providing the cash funding for AAG’s share repurchase and dividend programs.
(2)
The net payable to AAG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries consists primarily of amounts due under regional capacity purchase agreements with AAG’s wholly-owned regional airlines operating under the brand name of American Eagle.

(1)The decrease in American’s net related party receivable from AAG is primarily due to cash received from the proceeds of AAG financing transactions including the PSP2 Promissory Note, PSP3 Promissory Note and the issuance of shares of AAG common stock pursuant to an at-the-market offering.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.

(2)The net payable to AAG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries consists primarily of amounts due under regional capacity purchase agreements with AAG’s wholly-owned regional airlines operating under the brand name of American Eagle.
Pursuant to a capacity purchase agreement between American and AAG’s wholly-owned regional airlines operating as American Eagle, American purchases all of the capacity from these carriers and recognizes passenger revenue from flights operated by American Eagle. In 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, American recognized expense of approximately $2.1 billion, $1.8 billion $1.7 billion and $1.5$2.2 billion, respectively, related to wholly-owned regional airline capacity purchase agreements.


16. Subsequent Event
On January 31, 2022, American entered into an amended purchase agreement with Boeing, pursuant to which it has agreed to purchase 23 additional Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft through the conversion of existing purchase options. American also intends to exercise purchase options for an additional 7 aircraft in 2022, bringing its total incremental firm order of Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft to 30, with 15 of such aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 15 scheduled to be delivered in 2024. In addition, American entered into an amended purchase agreement with Boeing to defer the delivery of certain Boeing 787 Family aircraft previously scheduled to be delivered beginning in January 2023. Pursuant to this amendment, deliveries of these aircraft are now scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will continue into 2027.
207

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). This term refers to the controls and procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. An evaluation of the effectiveness of AAG’s and American’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 20182021 was performed under the supervision and with the participation of AAG’s and American’s management, including AAG’s and American’s CEO and CFO. Based on that evaluation, AAG’s and American’s management, including AAG’s and American’s CEO and CFO, concluded that AAG’s and American’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 20182021 at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
On December 9, 2013, AAG acquired US Airways Group and its subsidiaries. We are still in the process of integrating certain processes, technology and operations for the post-Merger combined company, and we will continue to evaluate the impact of any related changes to our internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2018 of the New Revenue Standard and the adoption in the fourth quarter of 2018, of the New Lease Standard as of January 1, 2018, we modified certain processes and implemented internal controls related to our loyalty program and leases, respectively. The operating effectiveness of these changes was evaluated as part of our December 31, 2018 annual assessment of internal control over financial reporting. Except as described above, forFor the three months ended December 31, 2018,2021, there have been no changes in AAG’s or American’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, AAG’s and American’s internal control over financial reporting.
Limitation on the Effectiveness of Controls
We believe that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and, as noted above, the CEO and CFO of AAG and American believe that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2018.2021.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of AAG and American is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. AAG’s and American’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. AAG’s and American’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of AAG or American, respectively;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of AAG or American are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of AAG or American, respectively; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of AAG’s or American’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


Management assessed the effectiveness of AAG’s and American’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018.2021. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in its Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013 Framework).
208

Based on our assessment and those criteria, AAG’s and American’s management concludes that AAG and American, respectively, maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018.2021.
AAG’s and American’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of AAG’s and American’s internal control over financial reporting. That report has been included herein.

209

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
American Airlines Group Inc.:


Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited American Airlines Group Inc.’s and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholders’ equity (deficit) for each of the years in the three‑yearthree-year period ended December 31, 2018,2021, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 25, 201922, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/    KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 25, 201922, 2022

210

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholder and Board of Directors
American Airlines, Inc.:


Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited American Airlines, Inc.’s and subsidiaries’ (American) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, American maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of American as of December 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholder’s equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018,2021, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 25, 201922, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
American’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on American’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to American in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/    KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 25, 201922, 2022

211



ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION
None.

ITEM 9C.  DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not Applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Except as stated below, the information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Board Composition” and “Information About the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
American Airlines GroupAAG and American have adopted Standards of Business Conduct (the Ethics Standards) within the meaning of Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. The Ethics Standards apply to all officers and employees of American Airlines Group Inc.AAG and its subsidiaries, including American. The Ethics Standards are available on our website at www.aa.com. If we make substantive amendments to the Ethics Standards or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a Current Report on Form 8-K in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Information About the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance - Risk Assessment with Respect to Compensation Practices,” “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Report” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Information About the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Proposal 2 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

212


PART IV
ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Consolidated Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of American Airlines Group Inc. and Independent Auditors’ Report are filed as part of this report:
The following consolidated financial statements of American Airlines, Inc. and Independent Auditors’ Report are filed as part of this report:
Schedules not included have been omitted because they are not applicable or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

213

Exhibits
Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K: Where the amount of securities authorized to be issued under any of our long-term debt agreements does not exceed 10 percent of our assets, pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, in lieu of filing such as an exhibit, we hereby agree to furnish to the Commission upon request a copy of any agreement with respect to such long-term debt.

Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
4.13.6
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
4.15
4.16
4.17
4.184.1
4.194.2
4.204.3


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.214.4
4.224.5
4.234.6
4.244.7
214

4.25
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.8
4.264.9
4.274.10
4.284.11
4.294.12
4.30
4.31
4.32
4.33
4.34
4.35


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.364.13
4.374.14
4.384.15
4.394.16
4.404.17
4.414.18
4.424.19
4.434.20
4.444.21
215

4.45
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.22
4.464.23
4.474.24
4.484.25
4.494.26


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.504.27
4.514.28
4.524.29
4.534.30
4.544.31
4.554.32
4.564.33
4.574.34
4.584.35
216

4.59
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.36
4.604.37
4.614.38
4.624.39
4.634.40


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.644.41
4.654.42
4.664.43
4.674.44
4.684.45
4.694.46
4.704.47
4.714.48
217

4.72
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.49
4.734.50
4.744.51
4.754.52
4.764.53
4.774.54


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.784.55
4.794.56
4.804.57
4.814.58
4.824.59
4.834.60
4.844.61
218

4.85
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.62
4.864.63
4.874.64
4.884.65
4.894.66
4.904.67
4.914.68


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.924.69
4.934.70
4.944.71
4.954.72
4.964.73
4.974.74
4.984.75
4.994.76
219

4.100
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.77
4.1014.78
4.1024.79
4.1034.80
4.1044.81
4.1054.82


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.1064.83
4.1074.84
4.1084.85
4.1094.86
4.1104.87
4.1114.88
4.1124.89
4.1134.90
4.1144.91
220

4.115
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.92
4.1164.93
4.1174.94
4.1184.95


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.1194.96
4.1204.97
4.1214.98
4.1224.99
4.1234.100
4.1244.101
4.1254.102
4.1264.103
4.1274.104
4.1284.105
221

4.129
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.106
4.1304.107
4.1314.108
4.1324.109
4.1334.110
4.1344.111


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.1354.112
4.1364.113
4.1374.114
4.1384.115
4.1394.116
4.1404.117
4.1414.118
4.1424.119
4.1434.120
4.1444.121
222

4.145
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.122
4.1464.123
4.1474.124
4.1484.125
4.1494.126


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.1504.127
4.1514.128
4.1524.129
4.1534.130
4.1544.131
4.1554.132
4.1564.133
4.1574.134
4.1584.135
4.1594.136
223

4.160
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.137
4.1614.138
4.1624.139
4.1634.140


Exhibit
Number
Description
4.1644.141
4.1654.142
4.1664.143
4.1674.144
4.1684.145
4.1694.146
4.1704.147
4.1714.148
4.1724.149
4.1734.150
224

Exhibit
Number
Description
4.151
4.152
4.153
4.154
4.155
4.1744.156
10.14.157
4.158
4.159
4.160
4.161
4.162
4.163
4.164
225

Exhibit
Number
Description
4.165
4.166
4.167
4.168
4.169
4.170
4.171
4.172
4.173
4.174
4.175
4.176
4.177
4.178
4.179
226

Exhibit
Number
Description
4.180
4.181
4.182
4.183
4.184
4.185
4.186
4.187
4.188
4.189
4.190
4.191
4.192
4.193
4.194
4.195
4.196
4.197
4.198
4.199
10.1
227

Exhibit
Number
Description
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8


Exhibit
Number
Description
10.210.9
10.310.10
10.410.11
228

10.5
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.12
10.610.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.710.21
10.810.22
10.910.23
10.1010.24
229

Exhibit
Number
Description
10.25
10.1110.26


Exhibit
Number
Description
10.1210.27
10.1310.28
10.1410.29
10.1510.30
10.1610.31
10.32
10.1710.33
10.1810.34
230

10.19
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.35
10.2010.36
10.2110.37
10.38
10.2210.39
10.2310.40
10.2410.41


Exhibit
Number
Description
10.2510.42
10.2610.43
10.2710.44
10.2810.45
10.2910.46
10.3010.47
10.3110.48
10.3210.49
10.50
10.51
10.52
231

Exhibit
Number
Description
10.53
10.3310.54
10.3410.55
10.3510.56
10.3610.57
10.3710.58
10.3810.59
10.3910.60
10.4010.61


Exhibit
Number
Description
10.4110.62
10.4210.63
10.64
10.4310.65
10.44
10.45
10.46
10.4710.66
10.4810.67
232

Exhibit
Number
Description
10.68
10.69
10.70
10.71
10.72
10.73
10.74
10.4910.75
10.5010.76
10.5110.77
10.5210.78
10.5310.79
10.5410.80
10.81
10.82
10.83
10.84
10.85
233

Exhibit
Number
Description
10.86
10.87
10.88
10.89
10.90
10.91
10.92
10.93
10.94
10.95
10.5510.96
10.5610.97


Exhibit
Number
Description
10.5710.98
10.5810.99
10.5910.100
10.6010.101
10.6110.102
10.6210.103
234

10.63
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.104
10.6410.105
10.6510.106
10.66
10.67
10.6810.107
10.6910.108
10.7010.109
10.7110.110
14.110.111
10.112
10.113
14.1
21.1
23.1
24.1
31.1
31.2
31.3
31.4
32.1


S-T, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business
Reporting Language).
104.1
Cover page interactive data file (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.1).
235

#Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2)601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, certain exhibits and schedules to this agreement have been omitted. Such exhibits and schedules are described in the referenced agreement. AAG and American hereby agree to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, any or all of such omitted exhibits or schedules.
*Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of this agreement.
**Confidential treatmentCertain confidential information contained in this agreement has been requested with respect to certain portions of this agreement.omitted because it (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
236



ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.

237


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
American Airlines Group Inc.
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022By:/s/    W. Douglas Parker
W. Douglas Parker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
American Airlines, Inc.
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022By:/s/    W. Douglas Parker
W. Douglas Parker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

238

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints W. Douglas Parker and Derek J. Kerr and each or any of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to the registrants’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2021, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys and agents, and each or any of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of American Airlines Group Inc. and in the capacities and on the dates noted:
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    W. Douglas Parker
W. Douglas Parker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022/s/    W. Douglas Parker
W. Douglas Parker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    Derek J. Kerr
Derek J. Kerr
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    James F. Albaugh
James F. Albaugh, Director
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    Jeffrey D. Benjamin
Jeffrey D. Benjamin, Director
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    John T. Cahill
John T. Cahill, Director
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    Michael J. Embler
Michael J. Embler, Director
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    Matthew J. Hart
Matthew J. Hart, Director
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    Alberto Ibargüen
Alberto Ibargüen, Director
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    Richard C. Kraemer
Richard C. Kraemer, Director


Date: February 25, 201922, 2022/s/    James F. Albaugh
James F. Albaugh, Director
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    Jeffrey D. Benjamin
Jeffrey D. Benjamin, Director
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    Adriane M. Brown
Adriane M. Brown, Director
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    John T. Cahill
John T. Cahill, Director
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    Michael J. Embler
Michael J. Embler, Director
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    Matthew J. Hart
Matthew J. Hart, Director
239

Date: February 22, 2022/s/    Susan D. Kronick
Susan D. Kronick, Director
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022/s/    Martin H. Nesbitt
Martin H. Nesbitt, Director
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022/s/    Denise M. O’Leary
Denise M. O’Leary, Director
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022/s/    Ray M. Robinson
Ray M. Robinson, Director
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    Gregory D. Smith
Gregory D. Smith, Director
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    Douglas M. Steenland
Douglas M. Steenland, Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of American Airlines, Inc. and in the capacities and on the dates noted:
Date: February 22, 2022/s/    W. Douglas Parker
W. Douglas Parker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022/s/    W. Douglas Parker
W. Douglas Parker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: February 25, 2019/s/    Derek J. Kerr
Derek J. Kerr
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022/s/    Stephen L. Johnson
Stephen L. Johnson, Director
Date: February 25, 201922, 2022/s/    Robert D. Isom
Robert D. Isom, Director

202240