American Airlines Is Profitable and Reliable But CEO Robert Isom Is Expected to Deliver More

Ten months into his tenure as CEO of American Airlines, Robert Isom has produced what he has repeatedly said he wants: An airline that is profitable and reliable.

In the fourth quarter, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier reported net income of $803 million, as well as the industry’s highest completion factor during the December holidays. The latter being no small achievement as troublesome winter weather led to higher cancellation rates at all seven of its principal competitors.

American's results come during a boom time for airlines. The industry has emerged from the pandemic into a period when people have money and want to fly. This puts Isom, and at least his profitability goal, in a good spot. American shares were up 29 percent year-to-date when markets closed on Friday, January 27, the second best return among the nine largest U.S. carriers.

But for Isom to be viewed as one of the top airline industry CEOs, he will have to do more than just pr