Cleared for Takeoff: American Airlines Backs Women Shaping Aviation’s Future

American Airlines is marking its centennial year not only by celebrating a century of flight, but by looking firmly toward the future of the industry. The carrier has been named the first-ever Official Airline of the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Annual Conference, strengthening a partnership that highlights the growing role of women across aviation and aerospace.

The 37th Women in Aviation International Conference will take place March 19–21, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The three-day gathering is expected to draw roughly 5,000 professionals, students, and industry leaders from around the world for keynote sessions, career development workshops, networking events, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Women in Aviation International, a nonprofit organization with more than 20,000 members in 120 countries, has long focused on expanding opportunities and building pathways for women and girls pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. The organization’s mission centers on strengthening the workforce pipeline while helping ensure the skies remain open to talent from every background.

American Airlines plans to play an active role throughout the conference. The company will award eight scholarships, participate in panel discussions, and sponsor major events, including the Pioneer Hall of Fame dinner and the Career Panel for Girls in Aviation Day Dallas. Leaders at the airline say the partnership reflects a broader commitment to developing the next generation of pilots, engineers, technicians, and aviation professionals.

Cole Brown, American’s Chief People Officer, noted that fostering an environment where women can thrive as leaders is essential to the industry’s future. As the airline celebrates 100 years of connecting people and places, he said, investing in the future workforce remains a central priority.

WAI CEO Lynda Coffman welcomed the partnership, emphasizing American’s ongoing support and its role in helping bring thousands of attendees to the Dallas–Fort Worth area for one of aviation’s most influential annual gatherings.

For an industry built on innovation and ambition, the message of WAI2026 is clear: the next era of flight will be shaped by a broader, more diverse generation of pioneers ready to take the controls.