American Airlines Faces Criticism from Pilots and Flight Attendants

Pilots and flight attendants at American Airlines are voicing their dissatisfaction with the airline’s leadership. Frustrations have culminated in public expressions of discontent, particularly directed at the company’s CEO, Robert Isom.

Union Votes of No Confidence

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing 28,000 flight attendants, has unanimously cast a vote of no confidence in Isom. Similarly, the Allied Pilots Association, representing 16,000 pilots, has requested a meeting with the airline’s board. They argue that American Airlines is “on an underperforming path” without a clear strategy for improvement.

American Airlines’ Market Position

American Airlines has been losing market share to its competitors, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Research from S&P Capital IQ reveals that in 2024 and 2025, Delta captured 56% of the U.S. airline industry’s total profits, while United secured 43%. American Airlines lagged significantly, earning only 6% of the profits despite being the largest carrier in terms of flights and passengers.

Operational and Strategic Challenges

Analysts attribute the success of Delta and United to their choice of airport locations and routes. In addition, American Airlines has underinvested in premium seating, which is increasingly vital for profitability.

• Underperformance: American Airlines’ profit share is at 6%.
• Delta Air Lines: 56% of total industry profits.
• United Airlines: 43% of total industry profits.

Julie Hedrick, president of the flight attendants’ union, stated, “This airline must course-correct before it falls even further behind.” This vote of no confidence marks the first official expression of discontent concerning Isom’s leadership.

Operational Issues and Winter Storm Disruptions

Over the past year, the pilots’ union has raised multiple concerns regarding operational inefficiencies. They noted systemic issues in preparation and decision-making that have resulted in significant challenges. Notably, a winter storm in January led to the cancellation of over 9,000 flights, marking American Airlines’ worst weather-related disruption.

American Airlines faced greater turmoil than its competitors due to the storm affecting five of its nine hub airports. In response to the pilots’ concerns, Isom acknowledged the challenges and expressed his willingness to address the unions’ issues.

Future Directions and Investments

In recent communications, CEO Robert Isom emphasized the airline’s commitment to improving customer service, optimizing hub usage, and enhancing loyalty programs. He indicated that 2026 would mark a transformative period for the airline based on emerging booking trends.

Additionally, American Airlines is investing in premium seats and lounges to attract high-value customers, focusing on long-term recovery and growth.