Kudos to American Airlines' Gerard Arpey

Gerard said all the right things -- and in the right ways. He was just a bit late in saying them.

Next time, I suggest that American Airlines engage in some online technology to get Gerard and his take on the situation out there sooner. Yes, I know he was out of town when this story hit, but the airline could have used a video teleconference set-up, much like Southwest Airlines used recently to unroll their Business Select product. Reporters all over the country could listen and watch Gary Kelly make the presentation and could then type in questions, or call in with a question. It was all real time. Worked very well.

I would highly suggest the crisis communication team at American consider such an alternative next time -- as the Admiral's Club in Los Angeles does have broadband connectivity.

And yes, it needs to be Gerard. Not Dan Garton.

Speaking of, I am glad to see that Dan apologized to the airline's mechanics, who were, I think, justifiably pissed off at some comments Dan made in his attempt at a press conference that we noted here in PlaneBuzz yesterday.

What a mess.

Ticker: (NYSE:AMR)

Source: By PlaneBuzz