American Airlines trims second quarter expectations as chief commercial officer exits

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American Airlines is lowering some of its second-quarter financial forecasts and has announced the departure of its chief commercial officer

American Airlines is lowering some of its second-quarter financial forecasts and has announced the departure of its chief commercial officer.

Shares slid more than 14% Wednesday and shares of all other airlines fell as well. Passenger airlines were among the worst performers on the S&P.

American Airlines said in a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it now anticipates second-quarter adjusted earnings in a range of $1 to $1.15 per share. Its prior forecast was for $1.15 to $1.45 per share. Analysts surveyed by FactSet forecast second-quarter earnings per share of $1.20, on average.

Total revenue per available seat mile is now expected to be down approximately 5% to 6%. Its prior forecast was for a decline of about 1% to 3%.

The airline said in the filing that CCO Vasu Raja will be leaving the company next month. He joined the company in 2004. Stephen Johnson, vice chair and chief strategy officer, was named to lead the commercial organization and assist with the search for a new chief commercial officer.

In February American Airlines announced that starting with tickets issued on May 1, customers would have to buy tickets directly from the airline or its partner carriers or from preferred online travel agencies if they wanted to earn points in its AAdvantage loyalty program. The airline said at the time that it would list the preferred travel agencies in late April.

When the changes were announced, Raja said in a prepared statement that American Airlines was looking to make travel more convenient for customers and that by booking directly with the