AA is a total mess right now in so many areas (just lost/fired a top exec; trying to mend fences with corporate travel agencies; at the bottom when it comes to mishandled baggage and IDB; having a challenging year with on time and cxl rates; struggling w lack of wide bodies due to delivery delays; toxic relationship w employee unions; can’t even get basic catering done out of some hubs)… I don’t think they’re in a position right now to rethink the flagship first decision.
This is 100% true. AA is aimless in their strategy and truly cannot decide which direction to go. They are an overly-domestic carrier with little coherence in their long-haul strategy. Poor service and high costs while not able to command a revenue premium that United and Delta can. AA's hubs are in terrible physical condition (examples - Philly and Miami), and their New York strategy has been all over the place. They are also scheduled to start re-fitting the 777-300ERs later this year to remove first class. Agree with dw that I don't see them rethinking the decision to remove first right now.