American Airlines. Picture: Pixabay

American Airlines has reported a net loss of $5.4 billion, or $8.38 per share, for 2021.

However, the airline transported more than 165 million passengers last year, more than any other United States-based carrier.

“Over the past year, we have experienced periods of high travel demand countered by periods of decreased demand due to new Covid-19 variants,” said American chief executive, Doug Parker.

“This volatility has created the most challenging planning environment in the history of commercial aviation.”