Quantcast

Six unions urge changes at American Airlines amid weak financial performance

Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
Six unions urge changes at American Airlines amid weak financial performance
Policy
Webp 3
Robert D. Isom, CEO and President | American Airlines

Six unions representing American Airlines employees have publicly criticized the company’s financial performance and called for greater management accountability. Union leaders met over Labor Day weekend to discuss their concerns about the airline’s lagging results compared to competitors, as well as strategies for increased coordination and improved employee benefits.

For more than a decade, American Airlines has reported weaker financial results than its main rivals, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. In the most recent quarter, the airline achieved record revenue driven by domestic growth but saw its net income fall 16% year-over-year, while competitors posted stronger gains.

Union representatives from the Allied Pilots Association (APA), Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), CWA-IBT Association, Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA), and TWU/IAM Association convened last week to address what they described as “peer-trailing financial performance,” lack of management transparency, and limited employee empowerment. These unions represent a wide range of American Airlines workers including pilots, cabin crew, gate agents, ground staff, and dispatchers.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

In a joint statement issued after their summit, union leaders said:

"This landmark union leadership summit reflects our unified commitment to protecting our members, improving working conditions, and securing a more prosperous future for us and for American Airlines while demanding increased management accountability. We are committed to maintaining a cohesive, coordinated labor coalition to address the opportunities and challenges ahead."

American Airlines has faced criticism for not keeping pace with Delta and United in upgrading premium products. The carrier has experienced high seat failure rates and inconsistent service quality. It has also implemented cost-cutting measures such as removing seatback screens from some aircraft. Meanwhile, Delta offers free WiFi and live TV on board.

Although American posted record second-quarter revenues due to its domestic strategy, it has been forced to compete with ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. This competition has pressured margins even as rivals focus on premium markets with better returns. Additionally, American’s international expansion has lagged behind competitors—a segment that typically attracts higher-paying customers.

The introduction of new Flagship Suites on Boeing 787s this summer marked an upgrade in premium seating; however, broader fleet retrofits have been delayed. As a result, many passengers continue flying in older cabins that do not match current standards. In contrast, Delta and United have made significant investments in modernizing their fleets across all classes.

Customer satisfaction scores reflect these trends. According to J.D. Power’s latest study for Q1 2025, American trailed both Delta and United in First/Business class as well as Premium Economy categories; its regular economy product also scored lower than both competitors and the industry average.

With all six unions expressing solidarity in their call for change—an uncommon occurrence—American faces internal pressure for comprehensive management reform.

The airline operates as a full-service carrier with major hubs at airports including Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, New York JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Founded in 1926 under IATA code AA (ICAO: AAL), American is one of the largest airlines in the United States.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025