Second, we have to make the most of the strengths we have, the amenities that many of our competitors cannot replicate. But again, those advantages won’t mean much if we don’t do a great job with the basics of our business. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
One of our most difficult realizations was that – in the course of two years – a connecting hub in St. Louis had gone from something we thought we needed to something we could no longer afford. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
However, the economics of our business continued to deteriorate. We barely escaped bankruptcy a year ago, and in the aftermath of that escape we had to make some even tougher decisions. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
We continued the hard work of integrating TWA, because at that time we still thought an efficient connecting hub in St. Louis could be a profitable addition to our network. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
This airline is grateful for his extensive contributions and we will miss his friendship and support. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Casey family on its personal loss. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
I think in just about any business the low cost competitor is always going to have an advantage. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
But I definitely see us playing a major role in St. Louis in the years to come. We already provide service to 95 percent of the markets St. Louis travelers visit the most. And we’re adding capacity in some of the most important markets. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
These are times of unprecedented challenge and change in the airline industry, and the appointments we are announcing today will put American in an even stronger position to continue the substantial progress that has already been made under the tenets of our Turnaround Plan. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
Despite the painful changes we have had to make, we continue to believe in the St. Louis market. And we are hoping to add flights, in a careful way, as the economics of our business improve and the demands of the traveling public in St. Louis become clear. Gerard Arpey Read Quote
