6.29.25 – APFA ORD Base Brief – June 28, 2025

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Hello Chicago!

June is almost over. We hope everyone is staying cool!

787-9P

American Airlines recently introduced the new 787-9P aircraft to our fleet. The aircraft and its staffing and minimum crew standards are entirely designed and implemented by American Airlines, not APFA. If you encounter issues or feel disappointed by these staffing and minimum crew standards, it’s crucial we direct our feedback straight to the company that created these standards.

We’ve contacted many crew members who have worked these flights to help understand what is working and what’s not. We’ve pushed for more support and resources. We know the company hasn’t done enough, and that’s why we need to keep the pressure on the company.

Email the company directly:

• JonCarlo Gulbranson, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations and IOC: [email protected]
• Bobbi Wells, Vice President, Inflight: [email protected]
• Timothy McMahan, Managing Director, Inflight Dining and Service: [email protected]
  

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787-9P Recertification

Yesterday, American Airlines certified the 787 for a minimum crew of seven flight attendants, even though there are eight doors on the aircraft (click here to read more). It’s unacceptable, and we must let the company know that cutting corners on safety is not an option. I encourage everyone to participate in our one-click campaign to send a clear message to American. Every email helps send a message.

Click here for an immediate call to action! Send a letter to AA management telling them to prioritize passenger and crew safety by keeping minimum staffing at one Flight Attendant for every widebody door!

With these reductions, please visit aa.com and see for yourself how much these business-class seats cost. Pull up any flight, ORD-LHR for mid-July, look for “Flagship Suite seats.” It’s clear that the expense of adding just one more flight attendant is minimal compared to the revenue generated from these premium seats. One seat alone could pay for multiple flight attendants. And this plane has over 50 business class seats.

Please keep speaking up and reminding the company that supporting their crews properly is in everyone’s best interest if we want to be the safest airline in the industry. Another flight attendant isn’t just an investment in us; it is a commitment to our customers that we value their safety more than anything.

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Inflight Structure – Update

The flight service restructuring that began at the start of the month is now two weeks in, and we’re starting to see the changes take effect. As a reminder, if you have questions about anything and need support from the company, the team in Chicago should be able to assist you. If you are not able to get ahold of someone on the phone, I encourage everyone to follow up with an email documenting your attempt at contacting the company.

K19 operations: 773-686-2615

The 3 Senior Crew Mangers who can assist you are:

• Suzanne Lacen – [email protected]
• Joseph Navarrete – [email protected]
• Nick Alexatos – [email protected]

Our new base manager is FaShawna Whiteman, who will be starting soon. FaShawna worked as a manager in Chicago in 2017 and now will be the base manager. If you have any questions or concerns, especially if you’re not getting the needed support from the operations managers, please include her: [email protected]

Karen Parker is not listed as a manager above, because she has also chosen to return to the line. Karen was a phenomenal purser manager, who will continue to be an exceptional flight attendant.

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Performance Managers

We are contractually allowed union representation to be present in any matter which may eventuate in the application of discipline or dismissal. This is a contractual right, and every APFA member is entitled to union representation for any conversation or meeting that could lead to discipline, CBA 35.R

As a reminder, the American Airlines Attendance and Performance Policy is a progressive policy, which means anything in your file could lead to further discipline later on.

If you are contacted about any of the items listed in the performance and attendance policy and would like to schedule a formal discussion with the company and your Performance Manager, that is your right.

Remember, a “conversation” documented in your MyView means it can be used when looking back on your record in the future.

Performance chargeable events:

• Complaint Letters
• Non-Compliant Image/Uniform Regulations
• Non-Compliant Policies
• Non-Compliant E-Manual
• Responsible for Delay
• Late for Boarding
• Safety/FAR/FAA/TSA violation
• Slide Deployment
• Violation of Rules of Conduct
• Failure to Maintain Required Items
• Reserve Not Positioned for Duty (Reserve out of Base)
• Failure to Follow Directive
• Missed Assignment (training, online lessons)
• 40 Hour Obligation (9.D.1.a)

Please help to take care of one another and hold the company accountable.

In Solidarity,

Justin Patterson
APFA ORD Base President
ORD Base Number: (773) 645-0809
Cell: (509) 720-0067
[email protected]

Dray Howard
APFA ORD Base Vice President
ORD Base Number: (773) 645-0809
Cell: (630) 215-8410
[email protected]