American Airlines chief Robert Isom isn’t thrilled with Boeing’s ongoing issues, again blasting the manufacturing giant during a Thursday CNBC interview. Like many carriers, the Fort Worth-based airline has scaled back its aircraft delivery outlook, resulting in some network changes.
In April, American reduced capacity on a handful of long-haul routes, citing Dreamliner delivery delays. Some of these cuts will last into early next year.
“I look forward to the day when they’re not just a distraction,” Isom said referring to Boeing. “We’ve been struggling with them…for over the last five years.”
Despite the delays, Isom stated that he expects the airline to meet its planned capacity for the remainder of 2024 and likely in 2025. “We’re going to make sure [that] we’re protected,” he added.
Isom noted that the 737 MAX only accounts for roughly 1% of the carrier’s total capacity.
“I feel really confident about us being able to deliver and manage our business no matter what is going on at Boeing,” Isom continued.
Earlier this year, American committed to adding 115 737 MAX 10s to its fleet, including a firm order for 85 of the yet-to-be-certified type and a conversion of 30 previous MAX 8 orders. The airline also has 787-9s on order.
During the interview, Isom confirmed that he’s spoken with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg.
“At the end of the day, though, we need [Boeing] to deliver quality aircraft on time and I’ll be welcoming that phone call…,” he concluded.
This is not the first time Isom has sharply rebuked Boeing. In a January earnings call, he told investors that “Boeing needs to get their act together.”
Airlines Speak Out
Isom joins a slew of global airline executives speaking out against the beleaguered aerospace giant. Emirates president Sir Tim Clark even went as far as suggesting that a bankruptcy filing could be on Boeing’s horizon.
Cathay Pacific’s operations chief Alex McGowan told The Business Times that delays with the 777X are a “disappointment” to the carrier.
