American Airlines said that it has "suspended its arrangements to provide charter flights for six NFL teams because it lacks sufficient aircraft," according to Ted Reed of FORBES. Internal emails show that American will "end agreements" to fly the Cardinals, Ravens, Colts, Jaguars, Dolphins and Steelers during the '17 season. However, the airline will "continue to transport" the Panthers, Cowboys and Eagles. It is "hard to ascertain a clear pattern in the selection." Dallas is American’s "biggest hub," while Charlotte is "second biggest." However, Miami and Phoenix are "also hubs" (FORBES.com, 4/15). In Dallas, Conor Shine notes a one-way chartered domestic flight "can cost $75,000 to $200,000" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/18). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio cited a source as saying that the issue "extends beyond American Airlines." Delta is "believed to be doing the same thing, and United could be next." The source said that roughly 20 teams currently "don’t have a charter provider for the coming season, and that it could become a 'real issue' for the league" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 4/17).
