Quantcast

Six unions urge changes at American Airlines amid weak financial performance

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
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

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025