American Airlines’ CEO, Robert Isom, expressed strong disapproval over the removal of several Black passengers from a flight, deeming the incident unacceptable.
The airline placed an undisclosed number of employees on leave following the incident in Phoenix, where the passengers were reportedly removed due to a complaint about body odor.
Isom, quoted by AP, voiced deep disappointment at the breakdown of procedures, stating, “It contradicts our values. … We fell short of our commitments and failed our customers in this incident.”
Last month, three Black passengers filed a lawsuit against the airline, alleging racial discrimination in their removal from a January flight. They claimed a white male flight attendant had cited body odor from an unidentified passenger.
The incident led to eight Black passengers, including the plaintiffs who were seated separately and unfamiliar with each other, being asked to leave the plane.
During a confrontation on the jet bridge, the passengers demanded an explanation and recorded an airline employee apparently acknowledging discrimination. After an hour’s delay, they were permitted back on board.
American Airlines did not disclose specifics regarding the employees placed on leave but affirmed accountability measures were in place, including removing team members from service.
Isom announced the formation of an advisory group aimed at improving the experience of Black customers, promoting discrimination reporting, and enhancing diversity training to combat bias.
He also mentioned discussing the matter with the president of the NAACP, although the civil rights organization did not comment on the incident.
This isn’t the first time American Airlines has faced accusations of discrimination. In 2017, the NAACP issued a travel advisory for Black passengers due to multiple discrimination complaints against the airline. American Airlines subsequently implemented changes, leading to the advisory’s lifting nearly nine months later.
