Hi christep, unfortunately, the ticket was issued by AA on AA stock. That was why my friend thought that he'd be safe going to AA when he booked the JFK-HKG on the AA flight number.

I suspect he dealt with someone rather junior in the ranking in th ticketing department, and he only knows so much on what to say at the ticketing desk. Alas I am not there with him otherwise I will stand my case.

I think the best bet is to go to CX to get the ticket reissued.