American Airlines’ (AAL) employees have taken to the picket lines as they call for new leadership at the world’s largest carrier.
American Airlines’ flight attendants formed a picket line outside the company’s headquarters in Dallas, Texas on Feb. 12, but it wasn’t due to contract negotiations.
Rather, the employees are calling for a change of leadership at the airline, which continues to underperform rivals United Airlines (UAL) and Delta Air Lines (DAL).
Ahead of the protest, American Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Isom sought to calm employees and listed improvements the carrier expects to make this year.
The flight attendants’ picket came days after the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing American’s 28,000 cabin crew members, issued a vote of no confidence in Isom.
The CEO has also been criticized by American Airlines’ pilots, who are seeking a meeting with the company’s board of directors to discuss ongoing problems at the carrier.
Unions for the pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics have all said recently that the airline needs to improve its financial results.
The protests ratchet up pressure on Isom, who has led American Airlines for nearly four years. The carrier is investing in cabin upgrades and bigger airport lounges to attract travelers.
Last month, American forecast stronger revenue and profits for 2026 and said that it expects to report earnings per share of $2.70 U.S., up from $0.36 U.S. last year.
American Airlines hopes to boost profits with more modern airplane cabins that command higher fares as coach-class fares have dropped off significantly.
However, American Airlines has struggled since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020.
Last year, the carrier posted net income of $111 million U.S. That compared with rival Delta’s $5 billion U.S. and $3.3 billion U.S. from United Airlines.
AAL stock has declined nearly 20% over the last five years to trade at $14.05 U.S. per share.
