American Airlines flight attendants, pilots reprimand the leadership of the airline
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American Airlines’ leadership is facing unprecedented public criticism within its ranks as unions representing flight attendants and pilots have publicly questioned and criticized the leadership of CEO Robert Isom.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) on Monday issued a vote of no confidence in Isom. The union, which represents more than 28,000 American Airlines flight attendants, noted that the vote of no confidence was the first in its history against an American Airlines CEO.
In an announcement about the vote, APFA said “management decisions” left American Airlines “significantly behind” its competitors. Additionally, the union said the vote was a sign that “the majority of the airline industry has no confidence or trust” in Isom’s leadership. The union demanded a change in leadership at the airline in addition to accountability and “improved operational support.”
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American Airlines CEO Robert Isom speaks at a news conference with other officials to provide updates following the collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter in Washington, DC, on Jan. 30, 2025. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)
American Airlines has faced challenges that have caused it to lag behind its competitors. The airline made $111 million last year, while Delta Air Lines brought in $5 billion and United Airlines earned more than $3.3 billion, according to CNBC. The outlet noted that the difference comes as American Airlines flies at the same rate as its rivals by 2025.
“From dismal profits to operational failures that lead to layoffs, this airline needs to fix itself before it falls further behind,” APFA President Julie Hedrick said in a statement following the vote. “This level of failure starts at the top, with CEO Robert Isom.”
In response to FOX Business’ request for comment, American Airlines referred to Isom’s comments during the airline’s most recent earnings call, which took place on Jan. 27.
“Our strategy to deliver potential American revenue centers in four key areas: delivering a consistent, superior customer experience, increasing the strength of our network and fleet, building relationships that deepen loyalty and lifetime value, and continuing to improve our sales, distribution and revenue management efforts. Although this has been a multi-year effort, 2026 will be the year that IFOX implements these efforts to produce business results,” said IFOX.
“I’ve been in this business for a long time, and I’m incredibly excited about what’s next for America. The foundation we’ve built in 2025, combined with our strategy going forward, positions us to deliver sustainable growth and create long-term value for our customers, team members, and shareholders,” he added.
AFPA cited several reasons for its board’s unanimous vote of no confidence in Isom, including a shortage of rival airlines, excessive executive compensation despite financial losses, an allegedly ineffective sales strategy that inflated industry standards and deepened job instability.
An American Airlines passenger plane is parked at the gate at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Aug. 24, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (DANIEL SLIM/AFP/Getty Images)
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Captain Dennis Tajer, spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association (APA) Communications Committee (APA), told FOX Business that the pilots’ union “understands” APFA’s “deep frustration” with Isom.
“The APA understands and respects their deep frustration with Mr. Isom’s leadership and his management of American’s lackluster financial performance including the lack of a long-term strategy to hold Delta and United together while defining the identity and great culture of our airline. We share the same frustration,” Tajer said.
On February 6, a few days before AFPA issued its vote of no confidence, APA sent a letter to the American Airlines Group Board of Directors requesting a formal meeting amid concerns about the airline’s leadership decisions. In its letter, the union noted that it represents more than 16,000 American Airlines pilots.
“Our airline is on a dysfunctional trajectory and has failed to articulate its identity or strategy to correct course,” the APA letter read. “This assessment is not the result of a single interaction with management, a single performance disruption, or an individual’s earnings report; it is the result of ongoing patterns of operational, cultural, and strategic mistakes. Copying the implementation of competitors and proactively correcting the mistakes of the past is not a strategy for the future that closes the gap between the Airlines of the United States and our Dellines of American Airlines.”
A Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operated by American Airlines, at Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) in Hebron, Ky., on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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The union said the airline’s management had failed to “articulate a credible strategy and demonstrate measurable progress,” despite APA raising its concerns “for more than a year.” The APA accused American Airlines’ leadership of praising “efficiency” while failing to “fully monetize their assets.”
“While the market capitalization of our premium competitors has increased, the Americans have soured. As their free capital continues to grow and expand, ours is inconsistent and stumbling,” the APA letter read.
Tajer said APA leadership continues to “consider all available options,” although it is focused on “seeking engagement with the American board.”
APA said it has yet to receive a response from the American Airlines board.
FOX Business has reached out to APFA for comment.
