The labor union representing flight attendants at American Airlines is calling for a change in corporate leadership after fourth-quarter and full-year earnings fell short of industry expectations.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants said the latest financial results show American is falling further behind its main competitors, namely United and Delta.
“This is no longer an anomaly, but rather a pattern of failure under the leadership of CEO Robert Isom and the American Airlines Board of Directors,” the APFA said. “American’s workforce is not the problem. Leadership is.”
The union noted that while American’s and Delta’s full-year operating revenues were somewhat in line – $54.6 billion and $58.3 billion, respectively – Delta produced pre-tax profits of $5 billion, while American generated $352 million.
“It is easy to see why employees, investors, and Wall Street are deeply concerned, and it is no surprise why CEO Robert Isom has ended all labor-management meetings, employee town halls, Crew News sessions, and, perhaps most telling, the question-and-answer session at today’s State of the Airline,” the union said. “They don’t have answers, and the excuses have run out.”
The organization pointed out that American ranks below United and Delta in several metrics measured by J.D. Power North America’s Airline Satisfaction Study and The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 Best and Worst Airline Rankings. For Overall Best Airline, American fell from fifth place in 2023 to last in 2025, according to the union.
The statement expressed support for recent upgrades to American’s premium cabins but noted that coach cabins, “where many of our most loyal customers are seated,” remain “outdated, uncomfortable, and far from competitive.”
“For years, CEO Robert Isom and his team have solely focused on accountability, reliability, and profitability, ignoring investment in our product and the overall customer experience,” the APFA said. “During that time, our competitors focused on all aspects of their airlines, while American now stumbles to pick up the pieces.”
“The employees at American Airlines, our passengers, and the investors can no longer wait for Robert Isom and the American Airlines Board of Directors to deliver on their empty promises,” the union continued. “As the entire industry leaves American Airlines in the dust, it is time for new leadership and a new vision for American Airlines.”
Looking For a Rebound
The carrier on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter net income of $99 million, down from $590 million in the year-ago period, and full-year net income of $111 million, down from $846 million in 2024. American lost about $325 million in revenue in the fourth quarter due to the federal government shutdown, officials said.
Executives acknowledged the difficult quarter but said the airline is well positioned going into 2026, with years-long investments in aircraft, network, and premium offerings beginning to bear fruit. Projections call for nearly $2 of improvement in adjusted earnings per diluted share compared to 2025.
