Can American Airlines Reclaim Its Throne In Corporate Travel?

American Airlines, the second-largest U.S. carrier by passenger traffic, has recently been on a mission to regain the trust and business of corporate travelers—a segment it admits to neglecting in recent years. After a failed sales and distribution strategy in 2022, the airline found itself trailing its rivals, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, both of which gained market share in the lucrative business travel segment. The misstep cost American Airlines an estimated $1.5 billion in revenue in 2023 and left it grappling with customer dissatisfaction. The airline’s aggressive move to bypass traditional corporate booking systems alienated major clients, including Fortune 500 companies, and severely impacted its reputation. Now, under the leadership of CEO Robert Isom, the airline is taking corrective action by rebuilding its sales team, renegotiating corporate contracts, and introducing new benefits tailored for business travelers. Despite these efforts, American acknowledges it will take until late 2025 to fully recover its lost market share. The question remains: Can the airline execute its recovery plan effectively and bridge the gap with its peers? Below, we explore four key drivers that could determine whether American Airlines can successfully overhaul its corporate travel strategy and reclaim its position in the industry.