In response to a recent incident involving the unjust removal of several Black passengers from a flight in Phoenix, American Airlines has taken action by placing an unspecified number of employees on leave. The incident, allegedly prompted by a complaint about body odor, has sparked widespread outrage and led to a lawsuit against the airline.

American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, expressed his deep disappointment in a note to the staff, stating that the incident was unacceptable and went against the company's values. Acknowledging the breakdown of procedures, Isom emphasized that the airline had failed its customers and fell short of its commitments.

The incident took place in January, when three Black passengers were told to leave the flight by airline personnel. The men, who did not know each other and were seated separately, were among eight Black men who were pulled out from the plane. They were informed that a white male flight attendant had complained about an unidentified passenger's body odor.

During a confrontation in the jet bridge, the three men demanded an explanation for their removal. One of them reportedly recorded the discussion, capturing an airline employee seemingly admitting that they had been discriminated against. After an hour-long delay, they were eventually allowed back on the plane.

Although the airline did not disclose the number of employees placed on leave or their job titles, a spokesperson confirmed that American Airlines was committed to holding those involved accountable, including removing team members from service.

In light of the incident, Isom announced that American Airlines would establish an advisory group to specifically address the experiences of Black customers. The group's mandate would also include promoting the reporting of discrimination allegations and enhancing diversity training to tackle bias and discrimination in real-world situations.

It was further revealed that Isom had engaged in discussions with the president of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) regarding the incident. The civil rights group has yet to comment on the matter.

This is not the first time American Airlines has faced allegations of discrimination. In 2017, the NAACP issued a warning to Black travelers, citing instances of discrimination by airline employees. American Airlines responded with a promise to make changes, resulting in the advisory being lifted nearly nine months later.

As the investigation unfolds and the legal proceedings proceed, American Airlines faces the arduous task of regaining the trust of Black passengers and reevaluating its internal procedures to ensure inclusivity and eliminate discriminatory practices.