Dallas, Texas – American Airlines’ chief commercial officer, Vasu Raja, is set to depart from the company in June, the airline announced on Tuesday. This news comes after speculation last week that Raja was on the verge of leaving, which the airline had previously denied.

Reports had circulated that Raja was absent from the airline’s office and was possibly ousted by an unhappy board dissatisfied with American’s revenue strategy. However, the airline clarified that Raja had been working remotely to attend to personal matters and had not resigned.

The specifics surrounding Raja’s departure remain unclear, with no detailed explanation provided by American Airlines. The airline also revised its financial forecast for the second quarter, anticipating a potential decline in revenue of up to 6%, compared to the previous estimate of a 3% drop.

American Airlines has encountered challenges in translating its new distribution strategies into revenue growth, trailing behind competitors like Delta and United in recent months. The company has implemented fresh policies aimed at encouraging customers to book directly with the airline or its preferred partners, moving away from third-party booking platforms.

CEO Robert Isom acknowledged the need to fine-tune these strategies during the first quarter earnings call in April. Isom and other executives are scheduled to present at an investor conference, where industry experts will be closely monitoring any potential shifts in American Airlines’ direction following Raja’s exit.

While the impact of Raja’s departure on consumers remains uncertain, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the airline’s distribution strategy, industry observers anticipate potential changes on the horizon for American Airlines. The evolving situation will undoubtedly keep stakeholders vigilant in the coming months.