The board of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants announced that it unanimously voted no confidence in American Airlines (AAL) CEO Robert Isom on its view that the airline is falling dangerously behind due to current leadership. In a letter to union members, the APLA noted that American’s (AAL) financial performance has lagged United Airlines (UAL), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and Southwest Airlines (LUV) since the pandemic, even as Isom’s pay and executive compensation rose, which the board described as rewarding failure. The board laid out that failed sales and distribution strategies endorsed by Isom have alienated high‑yield customers.
“American Airlines needs real accountability, decisive action, and leadership willing to put this airline back on a competitive path,” read the last line of the APLA letter..
Other measures have pointed to underperformance at American Airlines (AAL). A J.D. Power consumer survey put the carrier last in First/Business Class satisfaction and below segment averages in Economy, while a Wall Street Journal ranking dropped American from fifth overall in 2023 to last place in 2025, tying it with Frontier and underscoring worsening operational metrics and customer complaints.
Shares of American Airlines (AAL) have underperformed the Dow Jones US Airlines Index (DJUSAR) in one-year, three-year, and five-year comparisons.