American Airlines Sets Goal to Be the Top US-Based Global Carrier
American's commercial chief says the airline wants to lead US-based global carriers, though two travel blogs doubt it can catch Delta and United soon.

Nat Pieper, the Chief Commercial Officer at American Airlines, has been saying a fresh aim for the company over and over. His wish is for American to turn into the top international airline headquartered in the US.
According to One Mile at a Time, American's leaders used similar wording on the second-quarter earnings call, so the idea is not brand new. The same outlet says American trails Delta and United on financial results.
One Mile at a Time also reports that American's management began to focus tightly on cutting costs around 2017. In that outlet's view, this came at the expense of the passenger experience.
Live and Let's Fly says it is glad about this goal and about some of the spending that supports it. But its writer says recent American flights had seat and power outlet problems and late departures.
What it means for travelers
A goal is not a change you can book today. Still, it hints that American may spend more on the parts of a trip that passengers notice. For now, both blogs say the everyday experience still needs work, such as working seats, power outlets and on-time departures.
What to watch next
Watch for concrete upgrades to seats, power outlets and punctuality on American flights. Check recent reviews and your flight details before you choose an airline.
How the story unfolded
- One Mile at a Time American Airlines Wants To Be “The Premier Global Airline Based In The US”
Read the original reporting
- Live and Let's Fly – American Airlines Wants To Be A “Premier Global Airline,” But I’d Settle For A Working Seat And An On-Time Flight ↗
- One Mile at a Time – American Airlines Wants To Be “The Premier Global Airline Based In The US” ↗
Quick questions
What is this points & miles story about?
American's commercial chief says the airline wants to lead US-based global carriers, though two travel blogs doubt it can catch Delta and United soon.
What does this mean for travelers to United States?
A goal is not a change you can book today. Still, it hints that American may spend more on the parts of a trip that passengers notice. For now, both blogs say the everyday experience still needs work, such as working seats, power outlets and on-time departures.
What happens next?
Watch for concrete upgrades to seats, power outlets and punctuality on American flights. Check recent reviews and your flight details before you choose an airline.
Where does this information come from?
This brief is based on reporting from Live and Let's Fly and One Mile at a Time. Links to the original stories are listed on this page.
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How we made this brief: RoamSun brings together facts reported by the outlets listed above and writes a fresh, short explanation with the help of AI. Every brief is checked so it does not copy the publishers' wording. The original reporting belongs to those outlets – please read their full stories.



