As American Airlines celebrates 100 years of connecting people and places around the world, the airline announced its partnership with global nonprofit Women in Aviation International (WAI). As a strategic partner for 2026, American will serve as the first-ever Official Airline for the 37th Women in Aviation International Conference to be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, March 19-21.
WAI is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women in aviation and aerospace. With more than 20,000 members in 120 countries, WAI envisions a world where the sky is open to all, and aviation and aerospace dreams are possible without barriers. The organization focuses on investing in the current and future workforce, building a strong and informed talent pipeline and inspiring women and girls to pursue careers across all sectors of aviation and aerospace.
“At American, we believe building a culture where women and girls are represented, empowered and able to thrive as leaders is vital to the future of our industry,” said Cole Brown, American’s Chief People Officer. “As we celebrate our centennial year, we’re proud to partner with WAI — and welcome its supporters to our hometown of Dallas-Fort Worth — to honor our legacy of innovation and reinforce our commitment to developing the future of the aviation workforce. We look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals for generations to come.”
WAI2026 is a three-day event that unites aviation and aerospace professionals, students and industry leaders across the globe for keynote sessions, hands-on learning, career development and networking. As part of this milestone collaboration, American Airlines will play an active role throughout the conference — including awarding eight scholarships during the event, participating in panel discussions, attending networking events and sponsoring both the Pioneer Hall of Fame dinner as well as the Career Panel for Girls in Aviation Day Dallas on March 21.
“We appreciate and value American’s year-round support of Women in Aviation International as a 2026 strategic partner,” said Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO. “As the Official Airline of this year’s annual conference, American has an important role in welcoming our estimated 5,000 WAI2026 attendees to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.”
