The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and American Airlines proudly announce their partnership for OBAP’s 50th anniversary celebration. As the event’s official Title Sponsor, American Airlines joins OBAP in honoring five decades of advancing awareness, access and opportunities for careers in aviation for those who otherwise may not have known it was possible. This partnership is especially significant as American Airlines celebrates its centennial year in 2026, marking 100 years of connecting people and places around the world.
“American Airlines is proud to sponsor OBAP’s 50th anniversary celebration — and to partner every day — as we have a shared mission of creating pathways for future generations to thrive in aviation,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer. “As we celebrate our centennial year and look Forever ForwardSM, we recognize that progress happens when we invest in people and partnerships that strengthen our industry. This milestone is not just about honoring history — it’s about building a future where talent and opportunity soar together.”
The collaboration reflects a shared history rooted in breaking barriers. In 1964, American Airlines made history when it hired Captain David E. Harris, the first Black commercial airline pilot. Ten years later, Harris joined fellow pioneers to establish OBAP, then known as the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, creating a network dedicated to opening doors for underrepresented communities in aerospace. That vision continues to inspire progress across the industry today.
“Captain David Harris’ groundbreaking achievement in 1964 forever changed the face of aviation and ignited a legacy of progress that still shapes our industry today,” said OBAP Board Chair Tennessee Garvey. “This partnership with American Airlines is more than a celebration of where we’ve been — it is a promise to accelerate where we are going. Together, we are working to ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of aerospace, and that the next 50 years are defined by access, equity and boundless possibility.”
The partnership officially kicks off Jan. 13 at the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport, the site of OBAP’s first meeting, with an intimate gathering of founders, industry leaders and special guests. The celebration will culminate at OBAP’s 50th anniversary conference to be held Aug. 12-14 in Chicago, featuring a documentary premiere, Hall of Fame induction, awards gala, youth engagement programs, career development workshops and networking events for pilots, engineers, technicians and industry partners.
As American Airlines celebrates 100 years of flight and OBAP marks 50 years of impact, this partnership stands as a powerful testament to progress and a promise to keep pushing forward.
