Teams Compete in American Airlines' Jet Pull

It was hot, sunny and the perfect day to pull a nearly 100,000-pound jet 15 feet.

More than 20 teams gathered Sept. 15 on CLT’s airfield to put their strength to the test for the 2026 American Airlines' Jet Pull. (You can watch the Jet Pull video here.)

In the end, Besco Power, Baggage Delivers won, pulling the Boeing 737-800 jet in 6.92 seconds across the finish line. Landing second was Team Prospect boasting 7.20 seconds. Keystone arrived in third place, securing 7.45 seconds. The Aviation Department finished sixth with 7.73 seconds.

“Our team did a good job,” Administration Division Manager Angela Maynard said. “The time goes by really fast, faster than you expect. Next time though, if they host it again, we know what to do.” Maynard also served as the team captain for the Aviation Department team.

The event was the first of three planned to raise money for the American Airlines Family Fund, which assists active and retired American Airlines' team members. In the coming weeks, Jet Pulls will also be held at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Oct. 14 and at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Nov. 10.

Since 1999, the American Airlines Family Fund has provided more than 6,500 grants and $11 million in assistance to team members and their families facing unexpected hardships.

“It’s just a great way to bring people together; the team that pulls together wins together,” American Airlines’ Director of Customer Care Nisha Maharaj said as she watched the different teams compete. She, like many in attendance, cheered on not only her organization’s team but others as well.

Most participants jumped at bragging rights to proclaim to family and friends that they once pulled a jet 15 feet.

“This is a unique experience that hasn’t been here in a while and I’ve never done it before,” Community Engagement Coordinator Byron Ruff said as he waited for the Aviation team’s turn. “I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by.” After signing up for the event, he admits trying to prepare for the competition. “I worked out doing seated cable row exercises to get ready,” Ruff said. “The exercises didn’t help much though, teamwork and collectively pulling simultaneously is what gives you the ultimate advantage when pulling a jet.”

Director of Risk, Safety & Health Ella Moultrie came prepared. “I got my gloves,” she said. “I got my (safety) vest. I’m ready. Where else can you work where they let you pull a plane?”

Procurement Officer Drew Buckner, who was also on the Aviation Department’s team, has already started planning for possible future events. “Once you get started (pulling the plane) it goes fast,” he said. “It was a great experience and a great environment to do it in. I want to do it again and claim the number one spot for aviation.”