Robert Isom travel tips

Passengers traveling from Austin will soon have fewer options for direct flights on a popular carrier. American Airlines recently confirmed to Travel + Leisure it will be discontinuing several routes, including nonstop flights to Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), New Orleans (MSY), Reno (RNO) and Palm Springs (PSP).  «As part of the continuous evaluation of our network, American will reduce service from Austin (AUS) starting in October,” an American Airlines spokesperson shared with T+L. “We’re proactively reaching out to impacted customers and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” The last scheduled day for the non-stop flights to Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Orlando is Sunday, October 6. The Reno and Palm Springs route previously operated as a seasonal service and will not be returning. American has aggressively modified its route network to increase business objectives, as company leadership previously outlined in an investor briefing.  “We are taking this challenge head-on, with clear and decisive actions to deliver on a strategy that maximizes our revenue and profitability, and importantly, one that makes it easy for customers to do business with American,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said in a July 2024 earnings call. 

American Airlines reported a loss of $149 million for the third quarter as it continues to deal with the fall out of its distribution strategy. 

We are thrilled to announce the speakers for Skift Aviation Forum, co-hosted by American Airlines and DFW International Airport, set to take place on November 12 in Dallas, Texas. This year’s lineup features some of the most influential leaders in the aviation industry, who will share their insights and expertise on the future of aviation.

As earnings season draws to a close, we’re taking a closer look at the most lucrative arm of many major U.S. airlines: loyalty programs.

As the aviation industry navigates and prepares for future growth, two events must be on every aviation professional’s calendar: Skift Global Forum in New York City (September 17-19) and the Skift Aviation Forum in Dallas (November 12). These forums present invaluable opportunities to gain insights from top industry leaders. Here is a snapshot of just a few of the leaders who will be taking the stage at each event:

Former American Airlines chief commercial officer Vasu Raja said he believes the future of the airline industry lies in loyalty programs and long-haul premium travel. 

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom outlined numerous steps the airline is taking to “course correct” after abandoning a direct distribution strategy it embarked on in 2023.

American Airlines’ profits dipped significantly in the second quarter as it seeks to recover from a controversial distribution strategy that led to the departure of its chief commercial officer. 

American Airlines’ 2023 Sustainability Report highlights progress in climate strategies and decarbonizing aviation, with key initiatives like contrail avoidance research and sustainable sourcing practices. CEO Robert Isom emphasizes ongoing efforts toward achieving zero emissions by 2050.

American Airlines enhances its sustainability efforts by signing a purchase agreement with ZeroAvia for 100 hydrogen-electric engines, aiming for zero emissions inflight and advancing its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

American Airlines announced Tuesday that it entered a conditional purchase agreement for 100 hydrogen-electric engines with startup ZeroAvia to fuel its regional jets. 

Making money in the airline industry has never been easy.

The Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA) has largely stayed out of the headlines in recent years, but the 60-year-old organization said that it has never stopped advocating for its travel advisor members, mostly when they have a supplier dispute.

American Airlines is pausing pilot hiring as it reevaluates its growth plans for the year. The carrier said it would temporarily pause new pilot hiring in September, October and November. 

We are excited to announce that our latest Skift Aviation Forum, the leading aviation conference, will once again be held in Dallas, Texas, on November 12. The event will return to the historic Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas, where the 2022 edition was held, hosted by DFW International Airport and American Airlines.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom is offering its flight attendants a 17% wage increase as they weigh a potential strike.

Last week saw a mea culpa of colossal proportions at American Airlines. Robert Isom, the carrier’s chief executive, acknowledged that the company had “dug ourselves a hole” through a misguided commercial strategy. 

We have seen too many instances of formerly venerable companies, such as department stores and fast-food chains, going out of business. So when American Airlines' share price dropped almost 15 percent this week, you have to wonder if it is a sign of the times or just a fluke.

Amid news of cuts to its revenue and profit forecast and its stock tumbling in value, American Airlines has indicated that it will reverse course on its controversial New Distribution Capability (NDC) plans and some AAdvantage requirements.

If last week was one American Airlines would rather forget, consider 2024 the year Delta Air Lines never wants to end.

Travelers on American Airlines will now be able to earn loyalty points no matter where they book their ticket after the airline walked back prior plans to place a limit on its loyalty program.