It took until the Q&A, but Robert Isom and co addressed their war with United in Chicago during the airline’s earnings call today.

When we look at Chicago, it’s strategically important. It is something that we’re going to grow back to where we were prior to the pandemic to 500 flights. We feel that’s rounding it out. That gets us back to where we think we need to be.

Asked about Scott Kirby’s comments on AA’s profitability:

We fully expect that Chicago return to the profitability levels that we had been at prior to the pandemic. And I just say this, we’re doing all the right things from that perspective, but look, we’re mindful of how we’re positioned.

…with a dig at United:

And quite frankly, I wouldn’t be out there bragging about profitability in a hub when 80% of your team members make a lot less than the market rate.

We also heard from former oneworld CEO Nat Pieper for the first time in his new role as Chief Commercial Officer. While answering a question about premium customers, he sounded bullish on international travel demand, especially in Europe:

You’ll continue to see our premium mix improve. We’re taking delivery of A321XLRs, more 787-9P configuration (P standing for premium), and we’ll continue to deploy more premium seats into international markets.

…If you think on the transatlantic side, demand there continues to be really strong across both products, all parts of our business, Heathrow, the rest of Europe, etc, and our joint business partners seeing similar things. Premium holding up well in the Pacific, as well as in our Deep South Latin market, too.

…The customer experience investments we’re making [are] all tuned to that premium traveler.