American Airlines Pledges 1 Million Business Points To Minority-Owned Companies For Travel Assistance

The travel industry has been in complete disarray due to the spread of COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, around the U.S. and the globe. Despite the restrictions in place, some entrepreneurs and professionals are still required to travel as a part of their job and now American Airlines is looking to help minority-owned businesses with travel assistance with a new pledge of up to one million business points for entrepreneurs.

The airline company is giving small businesses and nonprofit organizations up to one million Business Extra® points to be used for travel support for their operations through its Our Social Good program, an organization that seeks to improve stability, health, and care for marginalized groups in need around the world.

“Our conversations with customers and research throughout the coronavirus pandemic reveal a notable concern for the viability of small businesses,” said Alison Taylor, American’s chief customer officer in a press statement. “In light of the challenges facing so many, it’s only right that we leverage our platforms to help others. We’ve been developing the ability to gift Business Extra points for some time and are thankful to have one more way to serve as a conduit of care to those in need.”

The fund will be directed to the minority, women, veteran LGBT-owned businesses as well as donations for nonprofit organizations. The move would make American Airlines the first U.S carrier to gift entrepreneurs points from their respective company loyalty program accounts to support a charitable cause.

“Now, more than ever, we each have a responsibility to consider how we can do our part to care for the communities we serve,” said Ken Charles, American’s chief inclusion and diversity officer in a press statement. “We’re proud to leverage our position to support these organizations and the entrepreneurial leaders who drive them forward and hope our customers will join us.”