Must-Read: A Yale Academic's Bizarre Defense Of American CEO Robert Isom - American

Must-Read: A Yale Academic's Bizarre Defense Of American CEO Robert Isom

Ben Schlappig — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:52:55 +0000

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has been widely criticized in recent times, due to the extent to which the carrier lags competitors Delta and United. This is true in terms of profitability, and it’s also true in terms of passenger experience.

Continue reading: Must-Read: A Yale Academic’s Bizarre Defense Of American CEO Robert Isom

Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.

Gworge — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:30:36 +0000

ISOM didn’t do shit for its work groups, all contracts were complete under Doug Parker.

AA User — Sat, 16 May 2026 22:09:16 +0000

It seems everyone has their own critical story about AA to tell. Yes, they have had problems in the past. The issue is current problem frequency, perception, and corporate culture. If needed, can an airline's culture be changed? The last person I can think of that did so was Gordon Bethume at Continental. Perhaps he should be a role model for AA. My last flight on AA PDX/DFW was excellent in First Class. Had Beef Wellington as part of their 100th anniversary. Flight was an hour late leaving due to mechanical issues and 25 minutes late arriving. Connection DFW/CHA was on time and well staffed with great attitude. Generous beverage service. I do think critics understand (or should) that flying would not be served with a duopoly of two major domestic/international carriers. Someone needs to figure out how to turn American around if this is not a perception problem anchored in the past. If it is a perception problem, then PR and facts need to be used to counter it.

Mad A — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:49:28 +0000

Mechanics 'only' top out at $70 per this comparison. https://www.reddit.com/r/aviationmaintenance/s/AxikH7p66A

Joseph Howard — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:18:04 +0000

So, as the author of this item: are you saying that your opinion is more valuable than the opinion of the author of the article you are quoting? If so, why?

Anthony — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:22:41 +0000

Agree.

Anthony — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:22:19 +0000

The credibility of these so-called institutions has fallen. Slapping the name Yale, Harvard, Stanford on something does not cut it any more. There are proven institutions, not so much federally funded that have more truth in their words. I no longer trust those institutions, the pandemic showed us alot about them. So who knows if this article is worth any salt.

Matt — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:22:57 +0000

Easy answer: AA paid him to write this article. I used to run a PR consultancy, and a very common request was for experts/scholars to write anti-hit pieces. Send them the talking points, give them some goals, and let a credible writer put his/name to it. I'm sure AA paid him very well to write this, or at least to motivate him to write it. It's too obvious.

Rico Suave — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:07:42 +0000

lol are you trying to get couple of First or Business Class Free seats or something? See when you get this folks that think they know everything without a clue of how an airline runs and called Isom the best CEO ever is an insult to Robert Crandall CRSmith the Herb Kelleher, the Jim’s and Colleen’s at WN(SA) so again are you looking for free tickets?lol

Tim Dunn — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:44:17 +0000

first, AA does not and has not made money on its transatlantic or transpacific network; it makes no sense to keep flying routes that don't make money. The root of AA's network issues - which are manifested in its fleet decisions - is its inability to compete in NYC and LAX. DL grew to the size it did in NYC while AA tried an out of court restructuring and then took advantage of US' small size in NYC to pick up 1/4 of the LGA slots; AA wanted for the government to reduce the number of slots at LGA and JFK post 9/11 while DL wanted to get more and fly them. AA couldn't compete internationally out of LAX and pulled back domestically as well; DL jumped on the domestic market there while UA has tried to protect its position in the international market but DL is quickly growing international at LAX and will likely become the largest domestic and international airline at LAX. AA's distribution strategy screwup was self-inflicted and it is very possible they may not ever recover from it. There are very few cases of US airlines regaining share they once lost. DL has become the largest at JFK and LGA as well as BOS and LAX while UA is largest at ORD; all of those are major airports where AA was once strong. Their fleet decisions followed their underperformance which has not been fixed. They don't need airplanes to fly routes they cannot make money flying.