American Airlines Donates Refurbished Vintage-Styled Tug to the Commemorative Air Force
Dallas, TX (February 14, 2025)—The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) received a generous donation from American Airlines today: a completely refurbished, vintage-styled aircraft tug. The tug will be instrumental in moving the organization’s historic aircraft based at Dallas Executive Airport.
The official handover took place at noon on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC) in Dallas, just before the start of the CAF B-29/B-24 Squadron’s annual ground school. The restoration of the tug was a labor of love led by Anthony Rubino and the American Airlines Tug Crew based at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, with coordination from Captain Neil Raaz, Director of Flight Operations at American Airlines, and Neils Agather, a CAF Board member and B-29 pilot. Upon seeing the tug, Agather said “This gift is more than I could ever have expected. This tug is so badly needed for moving FIFI and Diamond Lil and will be used by our members for many years to come.”
Aircraft tugs play a critical role in repositioning airplanes on the ground at airports, with costs reaching tens of thousands of dollars. This donation is particularly significant for the CAF, as it will help move two of the largest and heaviest warbirds in the CAF fleet—the iconic B-29 Superfortress FIFI and the B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, both legendary World War II-era bombers.
The “Big Reveal” of the vintage-themed aircraft tug was met with cheers and a standing ovation from the many CAF volunteers who work on maintaining and operating these aircraft. The volunteers praised the Tug Crew for their craftsmanship and dedication to the project. “I appreciate the passion and effort that went into making it perfect for us. They gave the exterior a nod to our organization, which owns and operates the world’s largest collection of flying vintage military aircraft,” said David Oliver, CAF President/CEO.
The CAF is dedicated to preserving and flying historic military aircraft to honor the service of those who built, flew and maintained them. The addition of this tug will significantly aid in the organization’s efforts to keep these warbirds operational and accessible for public education and enjoyment.
About Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of military aviation. With an airworthy fleet of over 180 vintage military aircraft—the largest flying collection in the world—the CAF brings history to life through flight and immersive living history experiences. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the CAF operates numerous locations nationwide, all united by a shared mission: to Educate, Inspire, and Honor. Each year, through the efforts of thousands of volunteers, the CAF’s educational programs engage an estimated 20 million Americans, offering hands-on access to history that is both unique and impactful. Learn more at www.commemorativeairforce.org.
