Airlines Confidential · Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Doug Parker shared his observation that aviation employees, even at a struggling airline like America West, were eager to return to work in the days following the 9/11 attacks. He noted that despite the somber mood and tears, there was a strong sense of resolve among the staff.
“So, we were somewhat concerned in America West, which I'm sure all our competitors were, was, are we going to have enough pilots and flight attendants to show up to fly these airplanes? So, you know, I, I remember going out to the crew lounges, you know, the days that we started back up. And you go out there and they were there, you know, they showed up.”
“It was, it was a somber environment, there were tears, but there wasn't fear. There was resolve. And that, you know, that's an American West.”