Travel October 25, 2025 0 Comments

American Airlines Unveils a Stunning Centennial Throwback That’s More Than Just Nostalgia—Here’s Why It Matters to Every Traveler and Marketer Alike

Ever wondered what it feels like to see history taking flight—literally? Well, American Airlines is about to turn back the clock in a big, shiny way with its latest centennial livery. This isn’t just some paint job; it’s a nod to the roaring days of aviation, splashed across the wings of their massive Boeing 777-300ER. As someone who’s seen the airline industry morph through decades, moments like this hit me right in the nostalgia. American’s fresh throwback look, inspired by the iconic Douglas DC-3, is more than stylish—it’s a soaring tribute to a century of skyward journeys. Now, with Delta and Lufthansa joining the centennial celebration race, the skies are becoming a flying museum of heritage and innovation. Curious how this all stitches together the past and future of flight? Buckle up—this is one story worth the ride. LEARN MORE

Oct. 25, 2025

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4 min read

American Airlines has a new throwback centennial look

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Centennial airline liveries are coming in hot and fast.

American Airlines is the latest to unveil its 100th-year scheme, joining Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will repaint a Boeing 777-300ER (its largest plane) in heritage livery that throws back to its first Douglas DC-3.

The heritage look, which debuts in November, features an aluminum silver fuselage with a red lightning bolt-like cheatline and American’s iconic “AA” eagle logo toward the rear. “American Airlines” will appear in a small sans-serif font under the first section of windows, while “Flagship” will appear on the upper half of the fuselage mid-plane.

American traces its first flight back to Robertson Aircraft Corporation, which took to the skies with chief pilot Charles Lindbergh carrying mail between Chicago and St. Louis in April 1926. Parts of Robertson became American Aviation — later American Airlines — in 1934.

The airline’s first DC-3, featuring the basis for the centennial heritage look, took to the skies in 1936.

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

Delta debuted its own centennial look on an Airbus A321neo in March, with a design tracing its roots back to 1925. And Frankfurt-based Lufthansa will introduce its 100-year look on a Boeing 787-9 in December.

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

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

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Featured image by AMERICAN AIRLINES

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.