American Airlines CEO admits crew uniform issue a ‘huge problem’
Sunday, 16 Mar, 2017
0
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker admitted the furore over new flight crew uniforms is ‘a huge problem.’
The airline has repeatedly tried to play down the problem since late last year when employees started reporting serious allergic reactions to the uniform.
Symptoms including hives, headaches, blisters and swelling have been reported.
The Chicago Business Journal obtained video footage of Parker talking candidly about the issue to an audience of airline employees.
He told them it is ‘as difficult an issue as we’ve ever had to deal with.’
From the outset the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) demanded a recall of all uniforms but the airline refused.
The union also called for all related medical expenses to be reimbursed and sick leave granted for all affected flight crew which reportedly numbers several thousand.
Parker reiterated the official stance, saying a recall ‘can’t be the answer. We’ll keep working through it so we’ve got to figure out how to address it.’
Garment manufacturer Twin Hill said in January the wool-blend uniforms are not harmful.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Clearing CSS/JS assets' cache... Please wait until this notice disappears...
Updating... Please wait...
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers