Originally Posted by
MinimumEffort
It's amusing how many "experts" have already pre-determined this for us. The focus is always UA vs. DAL, with AA just existing in the background. Numerous aviation experts, analysts, and websites have essentially written off AA as a hybrid of an LCC and an international carrier, not even considering us in the same league as UA and DAL. At this point, it might be more strategic to operate in that manner, rather than emulate UA and DAL's spending habits while providing a product comparable to Alaska/JetBlue/Hawaiian. We've become a lot like US Airways, and I realize it's tough for some to accept that we're not on par with UA and DAL, but that's the reality, and it's unlikely to change. I wouldn't be surprised if the next bankruptcy results in contract/pay cuts, with the justification being, "We don't operate in the same category or business model as UA and DAL."
2 years ago, maybe. However, AA seems to be making direct and targeted efforts lately to begin to compete amongst UA and DL again. Buy on board offerings, new suites, enhanced meals, bringing back the second beverage service on transcons (lol…), and returned focused growth on previously forgotten hubs. I’m not saying they are competing well yet, but it is obvious they want to get out of that grey area you describe.
There is a
long way to go but over the past 12 months there has been a noticeable shift in strategy.