Legal Battle Over Midair Crash

American Airlines is one of the world's largest and most recognized airlines, with origins dating back to the 1920s when a group of small airlines merged under the Aviation Corporation (AVCO). Officially established as American Airlines in 1934, it evolved from a mail carrier into a major passenger airline under the leadership of C.R. Smith, who played a critical role in shaping the airline's early success[1][2][5]. A key milestone in American Airlines' history was the development and introduction of the Douglas DC-3 aircraft in 1936. This plane revolutionized commercial aviation by enabling profitable passenger-only routes, independent of mail contracts. American Airlines was the first to operate the DC-3, which set new standards for comfort and efficiency in air travel[2][3][5]. Throughout its history, American Airlines has expanded through strategic mergers, including notable acquisitions such as Trans World Airlines in 2001 and US Airways in 2013, which helped it become the world's largest airline by fleet size and passenger traffic[4][6]. The airline was also a pioneer in technology, becoming the first to offer electronic ticketing across its 44-country network in 1998[3]. American Airlines operates a vast domestic and international route network, serving hundreds of destinations globally. Its innovations include the establishment of the Admirals Club for premium passengers and continuous investments in modern fleet technology and customer service improvements[3][8]. Today, American Airlines remains a leader in the aviation industry, known for its extensive network, technological advancements, and commitment to innovation. It plays a vital role in global air travel and continues to influence the evolution of the airline business through operational efficiency and customer experience enhancements[8][9].

PSA Airlines is a regional airline in the United States and a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group. It primarily operates an all-jet fleet consisting exclusively of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) regional jets, with a team of over 5,000 employees[6][8]. The current PSA Airlines was formed in 1995 when USAir renamed its regional carrier Jetstream International Airlines to PSA Airlines, after acquiring the rights to the Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) brand, a historical and iconic airline known for pioneering low-cost air travel in California[5][8]. The original Pacific Southwest Airlines was founded in 1949 by Kenny Friedkin and became famous as "The World's Friendliest Airline" and the "Poor Sailor’s Airline" due to its low fares and quality service, especially catering to Navy personnel in San Diego[1][2]. PSA was a trailblazer in offering discount air travel, competing successfully against major carriers like United and TWA by providing fares often half their price. The airline grew rapidly through the 1950s and 1960s, expanding its fleet from Douglas DC-3s and DC-4s to Lockheed Electra turboprops and Boeing 727 jets, becoming a California intrastate jet pioneer[2][3][4]. It carried millions of passengers annually and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange by 1967[3]. PSA’s legacy includes innovative service models, distinctive branding, and a reputation for efficiency. The original PSA ceased independent operations after being acquired by US Airways, which later merged into American Airlines. The modern PSA Airlines operates regional jet services feeding American Airlines’ hubs, transitioning from turboprops like the Dornier 328 to regional jets such as the CRJ series before adopting the MHI RJ fleet[5][6]. Notable aspects include the preservation of the PSA brand to protect its legacy and the airline’s evolution from a pioneering low-cost carrier to a key regional feede

The **Federal Government of the United States** is the national governing body established by the U.S. Constitution, operating under a system of federalism where power is shared between the national government and the 50 individual states[1][3]. It is divided into three distinct branches—**legislative**, **executive**, and **judicial**—each with constitutionally defined powers designed to balance and check one another to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful[1][2][5]. The **legislative branch**, embodied by the bicameral Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate), is responsible for creating laws, declaring war, regulating interstate and foreign commerce, and controlling federal taxing and spending policies[2][6]. The **executive branch**, headed by the President and including the Vice President and 15 Cabinet-level departments, enforces laws and manages federal agencies[2][6]. The **judicial branch** includes the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts, tasked with interpreting laws and ensuring they comply with the Constitution[2][5][7]. Historically, the federal government was established in 1789 following the ratification of the Constitution, which laid the foundation for a representative democracy and division of powers. It has since grown to govern a nation of 50 states with diverse populations and territories, including the District of Columbia and sovereign Indigenous tribes under federal jurisdiction[1][4]. The government’s structure symbolizes stability and democratic governance, with Washington, D.C. serving as the central seat of power[1][4]. Key achievements include establishing a comprehensive legal framework that balances federal and state powers, managing national defense and foreign policy, and continually adapting to technological and societal changes. The government oversees numerous agencies that drive innovation, security, and public services, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration[1]. Today, the federal government remains a critical institution influencing business, technology, and societal progress, maintaining constitutiona