American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) CEO Robert Isom is coming under increasing scrutiny from the carrier’s pilots, who argue that his leadership has left the airline lagging behind rivals Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) and United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) in terms of profitability.
The Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents roughly 16,000 pilots at American, is weighing a potential vote of no confidence in Isom and the broader executive team. Such a vote could take place as soon as Friday, according to APA spokesperson Dennis Tajer.
In a message circulated to union members late Monday, APA President Nick Silva delivered a pointed assessment of management, writing: “The company under this management team appears to lack the tools, creativity, leadership and willpower to return American to prominence among its peers.”
The possible no-confidence vote follows what the union described as insufficient operational readiness ahead of last month’s winter storm, as well as continued frustration over the airline’s recent financial results.
American Airlines’ shares have fallen 8.6% since the start of 2026, trailing the performance of both United and Delta. The decline extends a broader slump after the stock dropped 12% in 2025, fueling investor concerns over whether current leadership—particularly Isom—can engineer a sustained turnaround.
Isom has led American as CEO since March 2022, after serving as president for nearly six years. During the company’s most recent earnings call, he pushed back against criticism of the airline’s financial health, telling investors: “Our balance sheet is the strongest it’s been in years.”