American Airlines has raised $1.1 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, thanks to the annual Celebrity Ski gathering held in collaboration with the airline's partners earlier this month in Beaver Creek, Colorado. This month's charity event brings the total amount raised over its 38-year history to a staggering $45 million.

Celebrity Ski was attended by almost 400 people this year, including famous faces from the worlds of sport and entertainment. In a boost to the fundraising total, the world's largest airline made a special donation of $25,000 in honor of its chief customer officer, Alison Taylor, ahead of her upcoming retirement.

American Airlines' chief communications and marketing officer, Ron DeFeo, celebrated the event's success, saying,

“For nearly four decades, we’ve gathered on the ski slopes with a group of generous team members, sponsors, and supporters of the foundation to rally for the fight against cystic fibrosis. While the event is filled with skiing and fun, the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is incredibly important, and we are proud to do our part in combating this serious disease.”

The fight against cystic fibrosis continues

The funds raised from this year's event will assist the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in its ongoing work to fight cystic fibrosis - a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The charity's chief development officer, Patrick Feeley, thanked American Airlines for its ongoing support, saying,

“American Airlines, our longest-standing corporate supporter of nearly 40 years, has advanced our mission for all those living with cystic fibrosis — raising more than $45 million cumulatively. Their generosity has led to more people with CF living longer than at any time in history."

In recognition of her service to the foundation and its mission, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation also presented American Airlines' former executive vice president of people and global engagement, Elise Eberwien, with its prestigious Jena Award.

Let Good Take Flight

As part of its Let Good Take Flight initiative, American Airlines uses its position as a global airline to support the communities it serves. Its work is divided into three main areas, each with a series of clear objectives:

• Social Good - improving stability and providing basic needs to citizens around the world, especially during and after disasters
• Global Health and Well Being - raising awareness and funds to bring treatments and hope to patients
• Heroes - supporting US military members and honoring their sacrifices

Last year, American Airlines employees spent more than 157,000 hours volunteering in the community, and the airline donated more than 20 million miles to a variety of local charities.

Many airlines around the world pride themselves on their charity work. Fellow oneworld alliance member British Airways has raised a total of £24 million ($29.35 million) through its Flying Start program since it was founded in 2010. Thanks to the money donated, over 100,000 across Sub Saharan Africa have been immunized against deadly diseases.

Find out more about some of the most notable airline charity partnerships in this report from the Simple Flying team.

What do you think of American Airlines' fundraising total for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation? Do you support any airline charity partnerships? Let us know in the comment section.