American Airlines names Nick Andersen network chief after retirement

American Airlines network-planning chief Brian Znotins is retiring, and Nick Andersen, a longtime company executive with experience across network planning, revenue management and operations, will take over as senior vice president on Nov. 1. The leadership change comes as American seeks to narrow its profitability gap with Delta and United and reassess a strategy critics say emphasized domestic and short-haul flying over international routes and premium customers. Some observers faulted the airline’s broader leadership and strategic vision, rather than Znotins alone, for its network choices; others described his departure as part of a wider shift toward competing more aggressively for high-paying travelers.