American Airlines prioritize diversity and inclusion. Their Supplier Diversity Program, established in 1989 adds value to their supply chain by proactively seeking out diverse suppliers, such as women , the minority , or LGBT- owned businesses as well as small businesses that are owned by the disadvantaged, veterans, service-disabled veterans and those with HUBZone certification.

The process includes:

• Evaluating products and services on their merits, giving fair and impartial consideration to all suppliers
• Awarding contracts based on highest quality and best delivery combined with most competitive cost to us
• Reviewing performance of suppliers and contractors to enhance their ability to provide products and services that exceed industry standards
• Ensuring inclusion of diverse companies in procurement opportunities

In 2017, American spent 18 percent more with small and certified-diverse suppliers over the previous year. They participated in 43 supplier diversity events around the United States, which provided networking opportunities through matchmaking sessions, business fairs and other events supporting diverse and small business connections. For example, at the Rainbow
Coalition Conference in Chicago, we presented a seminar on “How to do Business with American.” For Black History Month, our African-American Diversity Network EBRG worked with our Supplier Diversity team to put on a business fair at American’s headquarters. The business-to-business portion of the event allowed small local suppliers to sell their products and services
to team members. The business-to-consumer portion featured invited local certification organizations that spoke about the pathways to successfully becoming certified.