American Airlines CEO Robert Isom on Trump, Boeing and New Routes


American Airlines CEO Robert Isom at the Skift Aviation Forum 2024

Skift Take

From perspectives on a second Trump presidency to the challenges at Boeing - you can't afford to miss these exclusive insights from one of the biggest names in U.S. aviation.

In this special edition of the Airline Weekly Lounge, Gordon Smith is in conversation with American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom. Recorded at the Skift Aviation Forum in Dallas, the pair discuss many of the thorniest topics impacting the industry. From perspectives on a second Trump presidency to the challenges at Boeing - you can't afford to miss these exclusive insights from one of the biggest names in U.S. aviation.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeRSS

This episode is presented by American Airlines.

Don’t forget, you can find a full archive of the Lounge here.

Key Takeaways

Focus on Certainty and Collaboration: American Airlines CEO Robert Isom emphasized the importance of certainty in the airline industry and expressed optimism about working with government administrations to prioritize aviation investments, visa facilitation, and sustainability efforts.

Record Holiday Performance and Demand: American Airlines achieved its busiest Thanksgiving in 2023 with record-low cancellations and strong demand. The company anticipates robust demand and reliability for the 2024 holiday season, supported by operational preparedness and system resilience.

Labor Relations and Contracts: The airline has successfully negotiated contracts with over 90,000 employees in the past 14 months, including pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics. These agreements provide stability, planning certainty, and improvements in work quality, which are expected to benefit both employees and operational efficiency.

Fleet Strategy and Premium Growth: American Airlines is enhancing its fleet with new aircraft, including Airbus A321XLRs and Boeing 787s, while upgrading existing planes like the 777s. The company is also increasing premium seating capacity by 20% by 2026, reflecting strong customer demand for high-end products.

Sustainability and Technological Upgrades: Sustainability remains a priority, with investments in fuel-efficient aircraft, modernized air traffic control, and SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) production. The airline is also expanding satellite Wi-Fi capabilities across its fleet to enhance customer experience.

Up Next

The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

Is Southwest Airlines Losing its Magic?

Southwest just had its first round of compulsory layoffs in its history. What does that mean for the low-cost pioneer and the industry as a whole?
The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

Breaking Down Japan Airlines and British Airways

After a sensational run of impressive profits in the 2010s, what can Japan Airlines do to restore its weakened commercial cut-through?
The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

What a Frontier-Spirit Merger Means for Air Travel

There are plenty of ifs, buts, and maybes, however, if a Frontier-Spirit merger does occur, it'll shake up the U.S. airline industry in a huge way.
The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

Breeze Airways' Big Break: A ULCC Finally Profits

As earnings season gathers pace, Jay Shabat and Meghna Maharishi take stock and share their insights on the latest numbers from Breeze Airways and American Airlines.