Pan Am’s return

25-10-25

The legendary Pan American World Airways—better known as Pan Am—is taking to the skies again after 34 years, but it isn’t coming back solely as an airline. Under the motto “A New Golden Age,” the new Pan Am aims to redefine luxury travel with an integrated vision spanning aviation, hotels, and exclusive lifestyle experiences.

The project, led by Craig Carter and a group of investors specializing in high-end hospitality and travel, has already begun the process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure an air operator certificate—an essential step for resuming flight operations. The plan is to see the brand in the air again during 2026, though it faces a very different landscape from its glory days: more competitive markets, higher costs, and stringent operational standards.

In parallel, Pan Am is expanding into luxury hospitality. It already operates the Pan Am Suites and Pan Am Lounge brands in Berlin and Vienna, and it is preparing to open the first U.S. hotel under the “Pan Am Hotel by Hilton” name as part of Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ Tapestry Collection, slated for mid-2026 at the Citadel Outlets in Commerce, California. This expansion marks a decisive step: from iconic airline to renewed synonym for luxury, style, and exclusivity.

On the aviation front, ultra-luxury “experience flights” are being organized to evoke Pan Am’s legendary early routes. One 12-day itinerary, for example, departed New York (JFK) for Bermuda, Lisbon, Marseille, London, and Shannon (Ireland) aboard a Boeing 757 configured for just 50 passengers, with bespoke interiors, retro uniforms, and gourmet onboard service. These initiatives aim not only to revive the brand but also to make the flight itself part of the premium experience sought by high-spending travelers.