American sets new revenue records amid historic fuel cost pressure
Key Highlights
- ➤Q3 revenue $16.3 billion, up 19.3% year over year, above guidance
- ➤GAAP net loss $269 million, or ($0.41) per diluted share
- ➤Fuel expense increased $1.9 billion, or 67.5%, year over year
- ➤Q4 revenue growth forecast at 19.5% to 22.5% year over year
- ➤FY 2026 adjusted loss per share forecast at ($1.60) to ($1.00)
Expert Statements
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines
“American delivered record third-quarter revenue and the strongest year-over-year revenue growth in my career, with premium performance leading the way.”
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines
“The investments we are making across the four pillars of our commercial strategy are working, and we expect another quarter of record revenue growth to close out the year.”
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines
“While historically high fuel prices significantly impacted our financial results, our focus remains on restoring profitability and building a stronger American for the long term.”
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines
“I’m grateful to the American Airlines team for making this progress possible.”
Devon May, Chief Financial Officer of American Airlines
“We remain focused on the factors that drive the most value.”
Devon May, Chief Financial Officer of American Airlines
“Our long-term focus on efficiency supported industry-leading unit cost results in the quarter, with CASM-ex increasing 3.0% year over year.”
Devon May, Chief Financial Officer of American Airlines
“For the full year, we expect to lead the network carriers in the spread between year-over-year unit revenue and CASM-ex growth.”
FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) today reported its third-quarter 2026 financial results, reflecting execution of its commercial strategy and the benefits of long-term investments in its customers, team members, network, fleet and technology.
Third-quarter financial highlights: * Total revenue of $16.3 billion, up 19.3% year over year, above the high end of the previously announced guidance range. * Delivered the best unit cost performance among the network carriers, with CASM-ex(1) up 3.0%. * Fuel expense for the quarter increased $1.9 billion, or 67.5%, year over year. * GAAP net loss of $269 million, or ($0.41) per diluted share. * Adjusted net loss of $182 million(2), or ($0.28) per diluted share. Adjusted net loss was only $71 million below third quarter 2025 despite the $1.9 billion increase in fuel expense. “American delivered record third-quarter revenue and the strongest year-over-year revenue growth in my career, with premium performance leading the way,” said American's CEO Robert Isom. "The investments we are making across the four pillars of our commercial strategy are working, and we expect another quarter of record revenue growth to close out the year. While historically high fuel prices significantly impacted our financial results, our focus remains on restoring profitability and building a stronger American for the long term. I’m grateful to the American Airlines team for making this progress possible.”
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