Leaders of the labor union that represents pilots at American Airlines again demanded a meeting with the carrier’s board of directors and laid out a potential path forward if they are refused.
In a video posted on Sunday, Allied Pilots Association President Nick Silva and Vice President Chris Torres reiterated concerns about American’s profitability, the “erosion” of its culture, and its difficulty bouncing back from operational disruptions. Despite assurances from management, they said, it is increasingly clear that the airline does not have a plan to turn things around.
“Candidly, it’s been more of the same,” Torres said of recent discussions.
The two officials also dinged American for questioning operational decisions made by captains, ignoring contractual obligations in the selection of hotels, and harassing pilots over use of sick time.
“Our pilots should be willing to go the extra mile to help keep the operation from derailing, but not when they feel dismissed and disrespected,” Torres said.
The APA has become increasingly outspoken in its criticism of American leadership since early February, when the carrier released its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings reports. The results showed a widening profitability gap between American and its two closest competitors, United and Delta, and prompted the Association of Professional Flight Attendants to issue a vote of no confidence in American CEO Robert Isom.
The APA considered a similar move but ultimately decided instead to ask for a meeting with American’s board. But 48 days later, that request has not been answered, Torres said.
He also claimed that Isom “flatly refused” to include board members in any future discussions.
“We still await a response from the American board, but if they choose not to hear this message directly, we will begin to take it to all American Airlines stakeholders,” Silva said. “We’ve already demonstrated our professionalism and integrity, and the message is simple – our company must do better, no matter who is running it.”
The union did not elaborate on the strategy or say who it considers a “stakeholder.” The most obvious interpretation would be the airline’s investors.
American executives have acknowledged the widespread disappointment with recent earnings but maintain the airline is positioned to improve in 2026.
