FORT WORTH, Texas, July 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Airlines received the top score of 100 on the 2018 Disability Equality Index ® (DEI) and was named among the “2018 DEI Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the third year in a row. The DEI is a joint initiative between the US Business Leadership Network ® (USBLN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

“We are honored to be awarded such a meaningful distinction , ” said Suzanne Boda, senior vice president — Los Angeles, executive sponsor of the Disabilities Task Force and AAPD board member. “American Airlines is focused on continuous improvement in this area. From supplier diversity to community support and involvement, and the revision of rules surrounding emotional support animal carriage, American is proud to create an inclusive and respectful environment for our team and our customers.”

‍​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‍“American Airlines continues to show its commitment to disability inclusion by achieving the top score of 100 this year on the Disability Equality Index,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO, USBLN. “The DEI progresses each year, pushing companies to advance inclusion of people with disabilities. American Airlines earning a top score once again proves continual advancement for disability inclusion is possible.”

The index measures key performance indicators across organizational culture, leadership, accessibility, employment, community engagement, support services and supplier diversity. American is a founding partner of the Disability Equality Index survey.

From the team members American hires to the customers the airline serves, inclusion and diversity are foundational elements of the organization. One way that American brings this initiative to light is through the Abilities Employee Business Resource Group’s well-known program, It’s Cool to Fly American. The program provides children who have autism and their families a simulated flight experience. From checking in at the ticket counter to going through security to boarding a plane, participants experience the unfamiliar aspects.                    See the 2018 DEI Best Places to Work — a comprehensive list of DEI top scoring companies — on the DEI website or follow the conversation using #DEI18.

About American Airlines Group American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington. American is a founding member of the  one world ®  alliance, whose members serve more than 1,000 destinations with about 14,250 daily flights to over 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015, its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter  @AmericanAir  and at  Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines .

About the Disability Equality Index (DEI) The DEI ® is a national, transparent benchmarking tool that offers businesses an opportunity to receive a score on a scale of zero (0) to 100, on their disability inclusion policies and practices. It is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN), developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts and disability advocates.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 56+ million Americans with disabilities.

About the US Business Leadership Network ® (USBLN) USBLN (US Business Leadership Network) unites business around disability inclusion in the workplace, supply chain and marketplace. USBLN has more than 160 corporate partners spanning the technology, healthcare, financial, transportation, entertainment and retail industries. USBLN serves as a collective voice of nearly 50 Business Leadership Network Affiliates across the United States, representing over 5,000 businesses. USBLN has various nationally recognized tools and programs, such as the Disability Equality Index and the leading disability-owned business enterprise (DOBE) certification program, to bridge inclusive companies with people and organizations within the disability community.

Corporate Communications 817-967-1577 mediarelations@aa.com