The “Big 3” U.S. carriers are restoring summertime capacity at an uneven rate, highlighting sharp differences in network composition and overall COVID-19 pandemic recovery strategy.
American Airlines will not need bankruptcy protection to get through the current downturn, and the rest of the large U.S. carriers are in similar shape, American CEO Doug Parker said.
American Airlines continues to expand its all-cargo international flight schedule to move medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), perishables and other time-sensitive freight around the world.
American Airlines is seizing on the downturn posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to streamline its fleet structure, announcing plans to retire five separate fleet types spanning 99 airliners.
Three more U.S. carriers announced plans to require all passengers wear face coverings in the cabin, as calls in the U.S. Congress for a national policy gathered steam in light of the continued COVID-19 pandemic.