NEW YORK — American Airlines’ restructuring and its feud with pilots dominated Oneworld's press conference held Monday to announce that Qatar Airways is joining the airline alliance.
AA pilots demonstrated at the entrance to the hotel where the press conference was held.
Inside the hotel, American CEO Tom Horton noted to reporters that American is back at the negotiating table with pilots, and that American has labor agreements with seven of its eight work groups.
In response to a question asking if American’s problems could tarnish Oneworld’s brand, Horton said that nearly 11 months into its restructuring, American’s revenues were “topping the industry — highly unusual in bankruptcy.”
He said that American's strong alliance is one reason for its strong financial results. He also said that the company is returning to profitability, and, until a few weeks ago, had seen its best operating performance in years.
Over the past few weeks, American has been plagued by delays and the embarrassment of an emergency landing caused by a poorly fastened rows of seats.
The airline blamed the delays on pilots, accusing them of using slowdown tactics such as unnecessary checks and increased maintenance write-ups. American last month threatened to file an injunction against the pilots if they continued with the alleged tactics.
Horton’s Oneworld colleagues stood fast by him.
“American is doing the right thing,” said Willie Walsh CEO of International Airlines Group and British Airways. “I have absolute faith and trust in American’s management."
Walsh said that International Airlines Group remains interested in taking a financial stake in American — either as a standalone airline or one that merges with another — as long as it is something that American wants.
Horton, who has made it clear he would prefer that American remain independent, said that consolidation has been very healthy for the airline industry.
He said that in a year with an anemic economy and soaring oil prices, consolidation is one reason that the U.S. aviation industry is profitable.
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