American CEO Robert Isom Promises Turnaround, But Lacks Inspiring Vision

Isom's message to employees fails to rally the workforce or lay out a clear path to reclaiming American's premium reputation.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Under pressure from employees and investors, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has issued a message to all team members outlining his plan to improve the company's financial and operational performance in 2026. However, the speech is described as "kind of milquetoast" and lacking in confidence, as Isom simply promises more of the same investments in customer experience, network growth, and the AAdvantage loyalty program without a compelling vision to excite the workforce.

Why it matters

American Airlines has faced significant challenges in recent years, with its 2025 financial results lagging behind competitors Delta and United. The airline's flight attendant union has issued a rare vote of no confidence in Isom, and the pilot union has called for "decisive action" from management. Isom's uninspiring message to employees does little to address the underlying issues or rally the workforce behind a clear turnaround strategy.

The details

In his message, Isom promised to continue improving the customer experience with free Wi-Fi, new lounges, and better food and beverage offerings. He also touted plans to maximize the airline's network and fleet, including growing the airline at its fastest rate in years and taking delivery of new aircraft. Additionally, Isom highlighted opportunities to strengthen the AAdvantage loyalty program and improve sales of the airline's premium products. However, the message lacked specifics on how these initiatives would allow American to "reclaim its reputation as the world's premium global airline" and make up ground against competitors like Delta and United, which are also making similar investments.

  • Isom recorded the video message to employees on February 12, 2026.
  • American Airlines reported disappointing 2025 financial results compared to Delta and United.

The players

Robert Isom

The CEO of American Airlines who has been under pressure from employees and investors to turn the company around.

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has faced operational and financial challenges in recent years, falling behind competitors Delta and United.

American Airlines' flight attendant union

The union that has issued a rare vote of no confidence in CEO Robert Isom.

American Airlines' pilot union

The union that has called for "decisive action" from American's management.

Heather Garboden

American Airlines' Chief Customer Officer who has stated that operational reliability is "table stakes" and the focus needs to be on premium offerings.

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What they’re saying

“He sounds kind of nervous and not very confident in the audio. And the speech is kind of milquetoast as well.”

— JonNYC (Twitter)

The takeaway

Isom's message to American Airlines employees fails to inspire or lay out a clear, compelling vision for how the company will reclaim its premium reputation and make up ground against competitors. The airline needs a turnaround strategy that acknowledges the underlying issues, rallies the workforce, and outlines specific steps to differentiate American from Delta and United beyond table-stakes investments in the customer experience.