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American Airlines CEO Condemns Removal Of Black Passengers

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom

American Airlines has placed several employees on leave after an incident where multiple black passengers were removed from a flight in Phoenix.

It was reportedly due to a complaint about body odor. 

CEO Robert Isom described the incident as "unacceptable" in a memo to staff.

He expressed deep disappointment in the breakdown of the airline's procedures.

Isom said: “I am incredibly disappointed by what happened on that flight and the breakdown of our procedures.

“It contradicts our values. … We fell short of our commitments and failed our customers in this incident.”

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The incident, which occurred in January, led to a lawsuit filed last month by three Black passengers

They allege they were removed from the flight due to racial discrimination.

They say a white male flight attendant complained about an unidentified passenger’s body odor. 

The passengers did not know each other and were seated separately.

CEO Robert Isom: “I am incredibly disappointed by what happened on that flight and the breakdown of our procedures"

They claim they were among eight black men told to leave the plane.

During a confrontation with airline personnel on the jet bridge, the men demanded an explanation for their removal. 

According to their lawsuit, one of the passengers recorded the discussion, capturing an airline employee seemingly agreeing that the men were discriminated against. 

Following a delay of about an hour, the passengers were allowed back on the plane.

American Airlines has not disclosed the number or positions of employees on leave. 

A spokesperson for the airline said: “We are holding those involved accountable, including removing team members from service.”

In response to the incident, Isom announced the formation of an advisory group to focus on the experiences of Black customers, enhance the reporting of discrimination allegations, and improve diversity training to recognize better and address bias and discrimination. 

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Isom, who discussed the incident with the NAACP president, emphasized the airline's commitment to addressing the issue. 

The NAACP did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This incident follows previous allegations of discrimination against American Airlines.

In 2017, the NAACP issued a travel advisory for Black travelers regarding the airline, citing multiple instances of discrimination. 

Although American Airlines pledged to make changes, the advisory was only lifted nearly nine months later.

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