American Airlines flight attendants hold protest as CEO tries to appease dissatisfied employees

　　Key Points

　　American Airlines flight attendants plan to stage a protest outside the company's headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday. Amid weak company performance, multiple unions are pressuring CEO Robert Isom.

　　This protest is not occurring during contract negotiations and is considered an unconventional move.

　　Isom has attempted to reassure concerned employees, stating that the company expects a significant profit increase this year, along with optimized flight schedules and the launch of a brand-new cabin.

　　The American Airlines flight attendants' union plans to hold a protest outside company headquarters on Thursday, demanding a change in management. The airline lags behind competitors Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in both profitability and on-time performance.

　　On the eve of the protest, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom spoke out to calm the agitated employees, listing the company’s targeted improvements for this year, including a significant increase in profit, optimization of flight schedules, and the introduction of new cabins.

　　In a video address filmed at the Fort Worth headquarters in Texas, Isom said: “We look forward to working together to achieve these goals.”

　　Shortly before the protest, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing 28,000 American Airlines flight attendants, passed a vote of no confidence in Isom—the first time in history, according to the union. The CEO has also faced criticism from the pilots' union, which has requested a meeting with the airline’s board to discuss relevant issues; Isom himself is also a board member. Recently, unions representing pilots, flight attendants, and maintenance workers have all stated that the company must improve both operational reliability and financial performance.

　　This protest is not a routine action during contract negotiations.

　　The signals sent by labor organizations have increased the pressure on Isom and his management team, who have been in office for nearly four years. The team is currently investing in upgrading cabins, expanding airport lounges, and rolling out other inflight products.

　　Last month, American Airlines raised its revenue and profit forecasts for 2026, expecting adjusted earnings per share to reach as high as $2.70, far above last year's $0.36.

　　American Airlines is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, hoping to boost profits with more modern, higher-fare aircraft cabins—especially important as economy-class ticket prices decline. The company has also expanded its lounges and now offers free Wi-Fi to passengers.

　　According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, American Airlines had an on-time rate of 73.7% in the first 11 months of this year, ranking eighth. The company is currently adjusting its flight schedule, including spreading out flights throughout the day at its major Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport hub.

　　But the company still has a long way to go. In 2025, American Airlines posted net profits of $111 million, compared to $5 billion for Delta Air Lines and more than $3.3 billion for United Airlines. Lower profits mean a smaller employee profit-sharing pool, which has drawn complaints from staff.

　　At an employee town hall last month, Isom pointed out that American Airlines pilots, flight attendants, and other positions have recently signed new labor contracts, with pay levels higher than their peers at United Airlines. However, he also expressed disappointment regarding the profit-sharing situation.

　　Flight attendants have also voiced dissatisfaction with American Airlines' poor recovery after a major winter storm, with some crew members left without accommodations.

　　In its protest notice, the flight attendants' union wrote: “This airline is on a path that endangers our profession. Now is the time for flight attendants to unite and speak out. American Airlines needs real accountability, decisive action, and leadership that can return the airline to a competitive path.”

　　Isom is not only working to win the support of frontline crew, but also to unify the management team. Last week, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, he addressed about 6,000 managers, looking ahead to the years leading up to the company’s centennial.

　　 According to a transcript obtained by CNBC, he said: “The whole Major League Baseball stadium was filled with our proud and talented team—the best people in the industry. All of us have a responsibility to continue building on our progress... to ensure sustained profitability and keep American Airlines in operation for another hundred years.”

Editor: Guo Mingyu