Ep 3. Inside American Airlines

Inside American Airlines is the third episode of CNBC Originals, a documentary series that delves into the world of businesses, exploring their operations, profiles, challenges and success stories. The episode takes an intriguing and in-depth look at one of the largest U.S. airlines, American Airlines, examining how the company manages to keep flying year after year, despite the turbulence in the airline industry and financial challenges.

The episode begins by taking the audience behind the scenes of American Airlines, where viewers get to see the day-to-day operations of the airline. From the cockpit to the boarding gates, American Airlines staff members share their insights on what it takes to keep the airline running smoothly, efficiently and safely. The documentary shows the airline's various departments, including the flight crew, ground staff, maintenance team, customer service and management team, giving the viewer a 360-degree perspective on the airline's operations.

The documentary then delves deeper into American Airlines' history, outlining how the airline has evolved over the years to become what it is today. From humble beginnings in the early 1930s, American Airlines rose to become one of the biggest players in the industry, fueling America's economic growth and connecting people and businesses to destinations around the world. By 2020, American Airlines had a fleet size of over 900 aircraft, serving more than 200 destinations worldwide.

The documentary then covers some of the challenges that American Airlines faced and how the company managed to overcome them. For example, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the airline industry faced a rough time due to concerns related to security, which led to a significant drop in air travel demand. American Airlines, like other airlines at the time, was severely affected by this crisis. However, the company was able to manage this challenge by implementing cost-cutting measures, working with partners, and leveraging technology to streamline its operations.

The documentary also highlights some of the innovations that American Airlines has introduced over the years to enhance the customer experience. From in-flight entertainment to food and beverage offerings, American Airlines has continuously updated its offerings to meet the changing needs of its customers. The documentary includes interviews with passengers who reflect on their experiences flying with American Airlines, giving a firsthand account of the airline's customer service.

Finally, the documentary ends by reflecting on American Airlines' future plans, showcasing its ongoing efforts to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving airline industry. The film covers the airline's strategies to upgrade its fleet, expand its network, optimize its costs, and enhance sustainability, showcasing American Airlines' commitment to staying ahead in this dynamic industry.

In conclusion, Inside American Airlines is a captivating documentary that provides a fascinating look at one of the world's largest airlines and how it operates. The film offers valuable insights into the airline industry, delves into the history of American Airlines, covers the challenges that the airline faced and how it overcame them, and showcases the strategies that the airline is implementing to stay ahead of the game. Whether you're a frequent flyer or simply interested in the airline industry, this documentary is a must-watch.