American Airlines adopts 1930s look for 100-year anniversary

October 25, 2025

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4 min read

American Airlines Unveils Nostalgic Centennial Livery

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Centennial liveries are making a strong appearance in the airline industry.

American Airlines has joined the ranks of Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa with its own 100-year celebration scheme. The Fort Worth-based airline will repaint a Boeing 777-300ER, its largest aircraft, in a heritage design reminiscent of its first Douglas DC-3.

This nostalgic livery, set to debut in November, features an aluminum silver fuselage adorned with a striking red cheatline and American’s famous “AA” eagle logo placed towards the rear. The airline’s name will be displayed in a small sans-serif font beneath the first row of windows, with “Flagship” showcased on the upper fuselage.

American’s aviation history dates back to Robertson Aircraft Corporation, which began its operations in April 1926, carrying mail between Chicago and St. Louis, with renowned pilot Charles Lindbergh at the helm. This venture later evolved into American Airlines in 1934.

The first DC-3 flew in 1936 and serves as the inspiration for the new centennial heritage livery.

American DC-3 — An American Airlines DC-3 at the CR Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. AMERICAN AIRLINES

Delta introduced its own centennial livery on an Airbus A321neo in March, celebrating its roots since 1925. Lufthansa is set to reveal its centennial design on a Boeing 787-9 in December.

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Lufthansa 100 livery — Lufthansa’s centennial livery will be introduced on a Boeing 787-9 in December. LUFTHANSA

In addition to its centennial livery, American Airlines plans to start retrofitting its 777-300ERs with the new Flagship Suites business class and premium economy seats in 2026.

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Featured image by AMERICAN AIRLINES

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