American Airlines COO calls flight cancellations 'simply unacceptable' in memo to employees: 'Everyone deserves better'

""I won't mince words: This weekend's operation was incredibly challenging for our industry, for our customers, for our airline and for you, our team members," he wrote, adding that the weekend saw "nearly 1,400 cancellations and more than 57,000 delay minutes attributed to air traffic control." About 250,000 customers were affected by the cancellations and delays, according to the letter. "This is simply unacceptable, and everyone deserves better," Seymore said."

"He added, "Our team is in regular conversations with government leaders in Washington, D.C., and we are urging them to reach a deal immediately. There was concrete progress last night on a deal, but there are many steps ahead, and the next several days will continue to be challenging.""

Over the past weekend American Airlines recorded nearly 1,400 cancellations and more than 57,000 delay minutes attributed to air traffic control, affecting about 250,000 customers. The airline described the operation as incredibly challenging for the industry, customers, the airline, and team members, and labeled the situation "simply unacceptable." The COO emphasized that air traffic controllers deserve to be paid and that the airline needs operational predictability and dependability. The airline said its team is in regular conversations with government leaders and urged an immediate deal; there was reported concrete progress but several steps remain. The Senate reached an agreement on initial funding bills that still require House approval.

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