American Airlines: Consolidation has not made industry less competitive or consumer friendly

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, speaking at the CAPA America Aviation Summit 2016, stated (12-Apr-2016) the US industry is an "incredibly competitive business" and consolidation has not done what some consumers were concerned it would do in regards to competition. He said a perception exists that the larger the carrier, the less consumer friendly it is, but in reality "it is the absolute opposite." American "is competing on product like crazy." Mr Parker concluded, "There are so many low fares out there, it's good for consumers."