A lot of people wonder why American is signaling no layoffs and plenty of cash to pay senior pilots 200k a year to sit at home, while United and Delta set up to be 30% smaller airlines. Is American really that different than United and Delta? The answer is no. They’re all in similar circumstances.

Just recently Doug Parker said American Airlines would never lose money again. I’m not saying anyone in aviation has a good crystal ball, just that Doug Parker’s crystal ball is horrifically bad. No doubt American will need to furlough in October 1.