American Airlines to Add Seatback Screens to Close Profit Gap with Delta

Earnings

โดย Insider Monkey·

Summary · why it matters

American Airlines Group Inc. announced on August 18, 2026, that it will add seatback screens to more than 800 narrowbody jets and boost premium seating to about 40% of narrowbody capacity from roughly 25%, reversing a nearly decade-old decision to strip screens from its planes. The move is a direct attempt to close a profit gap with rivals: American reported second-quarter profit of just $71 million, compared with $805 million at United and $1.6 billion at Delta Air Lines Inc. The airline also reported a record 16.3% jump in second-quarter revenue, with premium unit revenue up 13.4% and managed corporate revenue up 26%, but fuel costs rose $2.2 billion, or 83%, wiping out much of the gain. CEO Robert Isom called the gap "meaningful" in a memo to staff while reshuffling senior leadership. New screens won't start going in until 2028, with full completion not expected until the early 2030s. Delta, which never removed its screens, affirmed full-year earnings guidance of $6.50 to $7.50 a share even after absorbing its highest-ever quarterly fuel bill.