American Air CFO Sees Demand, Fares Going Up in 2026

Core Insights - The company experienced a loss earlier in the year but has seen a significant acceleration in demand heading into the fourth quarter, with positive year-over-year performance noted in September [2][3][24] - The premium cabin is a major driver of revenue, contributing approximately 50% to the overall revenue gains [3][4] - Business travel is recovering, with a 14% increase in business traffic in the third quarter, although overall business travel remains below 2019 levels [9][11] Demand Trends - Demand was weak earlier in the year due to economic uncertainty, but there has been a notable recovery since July, with higher-end consumers driving premium traffic [2][25] - The company has observed a balance in supply and demand, allowing for a more stable unit revenue outlook [5][7] - Lower-income consumer travel is also rebounding, indicating a broader recovery in demand across different consumer segments [4][26] Revenue and Pricing - The company has projected flat unit revenue for the fourth quarter, with expectations for prices to increase in line with inflation next year [3][7] - The fare environment has been challenging, with many airlines reporting negative unit revenue year-over-year, but there are signs of improvement as supply and demand balance out [6][20] Operational Insights - The company has made strategic changes to its distribution strategy, which has helped recapture business travel share [10][12] - There is a focus on enhancing customer service and product offerings to attract more business travelers [12][18] - The company has successfully reduced its total debt from $54 billion at the peak of COVID to $36.8 billion, with a target of under $35 billion in the next year and a half [19][20] Future Outlook - The company expects timely deliveries of new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, which will support its operational capabilities [14][16] - There is cautious optimism regarding the economic environment, with indications that consumer demand is reaccelerating despite potential government shutdown impacts [21][24]