American Airlines Parts Ways With Network Planning Executive Amid Premium Push

American Airlines is reshuffling its network planning leadership as it pushes a “premium” strategy and tries to rebuild its position against Delta and United. Network planning chief Brian Znotins is departing, a change first shared on X by Jon NYC and later confirmed by CEO Robert Isom. Znotins had focused on domestic and short-haul international routes, favoring narrowbody aircraft over long-haul widebodies. Industry observers say the move caps efforts tied to dismantling a controversial network strategy championed by former chief commercial officer Vasu Raja, removed in June 2024. The broader overhaul began under Isom and included exits by Ron DeFeo, Kevin Brickner, and Nate Gatten.