How United’s CEO Scott Kirby Shocked The Industry By Reinventing Himself—And The Airline

by Gary Leff

Oct 19 2024

I’m genuinely struck by the shift in United Airlines CEO Scoott Kirby since taking the reins at that airline. He was President of US Airways and American Airlines under Doug Parker, and known as a straight spreadsheet guy. At US Airways he wouldn’t even add inflight wifi until he could actually see customers booking away from the airline because they didn’t have it.

United is still careful with cost, and their new premium image often outstrips the reality of the product and experience, but they make investments in customer experience others aren’t making and take risks for payoffs that will be harder to quantify. And it’s working out for the airline.

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American Airlines Opens Up The Best Airport Dining In The Country To AAdvantage Status Members

by Gary Leff

Oct 18 2024

As long as this new option doesn’t crowd the lounges, it could actually be worth it for many. If you value an AAdvantage mile at 1.5 cents, $300 seems like a lot for an airport meal. At the same time, you can drink premium beverages that would cost you a good chunk of the way to that. And if you’re with a couple of other people it starts to look like a value to be honest.

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American Airlines 737 Misses Cessna By Just 400 Feet During Austin Approach

by Gary Leff

Oct 18 2024

American Airlines flight 2587 from Chicago O’Hare to Austin had a near-miss with a 1979 Cessna R182 that passed it with just about 400 feet of vertical separation on Wednesday.

The American Boeing 737 had been alerted to the traffic in the area, but lost it descending into fog on final approach. They responded to a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) alert as the Cessna flew directly into their approach path, almost right below.

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Cargo Container Sucked Into American Airlines 787 Engine On Arrival At Chicago O’Hare—Emergency Response Ensues

by Gary Leff

Oct 18 2024

Yesterday, an incident involving American Airlines Flight flight 47 from London Heathrow to Chicago, occurred on Taxiway Bravo after arrival at approximately 3 p.m. As the Boeing 787-9 was taxiing to its gate, it ingested a cargo container into its right (#2) engine, causing severe damage to the engine. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

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