By Michael Clarke
TROUBLED American Airlines chief executive Don Carty
has resigned following criticism of his handling of the executive retention
bonus debacle.
Carty angered unions by not disclosing special
retention bonuses and pension package for the airline’s top executive during
wage concession negotiations.
Carty was forced to humbly apologise over the
incident, which came just before American reported a $1 billion first quarter
loss.
The unions are still threatening to revote over
whether they accept the $1.8 billion concessions, vital to save American from
filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Chief operating officer Gerard Arpey has stepped into Carty’s
shoes as the carrier battles for its future.
Arpey said: “I will continue to lead by example.
Actions, of course, speak louder than words. And you can expect me to ensure my
actions are consistent with the high standards we set for all employees at
American Airlines.”
Carty has spent more than 20 years at American,
stepping up to chief executive and chairman in 1998.