American Airlines flight attendants are planning a protest demonstration outside the company's headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday. Against the backdrop of weak corporate profitability, multiple unions are increasing pressure on CEO Robert Isom.
This protest is an unusual move, as it is not taking place during contract negotiations.
Isom is attempting to reassure anxious employees, stating that the company anticipates a significant profit increase this year, alongside optimized flight schedules and the introduction of new cabin interiors.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing American Airlines' 28,000 flight attendants, plans to hold the protest outside corporate headquarters, 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 addressed agitated staff, outlining the improvements the company expects to achieve this year, including substantial profit growth, optimized flight schedules, and the rollout of new cabins.
In a video message recorded at the Fort Worth headquarters, Isom stated, "We look forward to working together with all of you to achieve these goals."
This protest follows shortly after the Association of Professional Flight Attendants issued a vote of no confidence in Isom, which the union described as a historic first. The CEO has also faced criticism from the pilots' union, which has requested a meeting with the airline's board of directors to discuss related issues; Isom is a member of that board. Recently, unions representing pilots, flight attendants, and maintenance technicians have all stated that the company must improve its operational reliability and financial performance.
This protest is not a routine action during contract talks.
The signals from labor organizations are increasing pressure on Isom and his management team, who have been in their roles for nearly four years. The team is currently investing in cabin upgrades, expanding airport lounges, and introducing other onboard products.
Last month, American Airlines raised its revenue and profit expectations for 2026, forecasting adjusted earnings per share of up to $2.70, significantly higher than last year's $0.36.
American Airlines is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, aiming to boost profits with more modern aircraft cabins that can command higher fares, which is particularly important as economy-class ticket prices decline. The company is also expanding its lounges and offering free Wi-Fi to passengers.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, American Airlines' on-time arrival rate for the first 11 months of the year was 73.7%, ranking eighth. The company is currently adjusting its flight schedule, including spreading out flight times throughout the day at its major hub, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
However, the company still has a long way to go. In 2025, American Airlines reported a net profit of $111 million, compared to $5 billion for Delta Air Lines and over $3.3 billion for United Airlines. Lower profits mean a smaller profit-sharing pool for employees, a point of significant complaint among the workforce.
At an employee meeting last month, Isom noted that American Airlines' pilots, flight attendants, and other workgroups have recently signed new labor contracts with pay rates higher than their counterparts at competitor United Airlines. However, he also expressed disappointment regarding the profit-sharing situation.
Flight attendants have also voiced dissatisfaction with American Airlines' recovery efforts following a major winter storm, citing instances where some crew members were left without accommodation.
The flight attendants' union wrote in its protest notice, "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 genuine accountability, decisive action, and leadership that can steer the airline back to a competitive path."
Isom is not only striving to secure support from frontline crew members but also rallying management. Last week, he addressed approximately 6,000 managers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, outlining the company's vision for the coming years as it approaches its centennial.
In remarks obtained, he stated, "The entire Major League Baseball stadium was filled with our proud and talented team, the best in the industry. All of us have a responsibility to build on the progress we've made... to ensure profitability continues to grow, securing American Airlines for another hundred years."
Comments