“We expect those associated with our company to uphold those values, and we have no tolerance for conduct that so clearly falls short of those expectations,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew members, and others affected by this incident.”
The announcement follows Lundeen’s arrest over his alleged conduct aboard American Airlines Flight 618, travelling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport on September 3.
Arthur Lundeen, 67, was restrained on an American Airlines flight from Texas to New Jersey. Photo / Richard Olenick
The flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after Lundeen allegedly assaulted the passenger sitting next to him about two hours into the journey.
Witnesses claimed Lundeen grabbed the other traveller around the neck, prompting passengers and crew members to intervene. He was restrained with zip ties and duct-taped to his seat.
Images showing Lundeen restrained aboard the aircraft were widely shared online.
Former law enforcement officer Juan Mejia, a passenger who helped restrain Lundeen, said the incident escalated suddenly.
“Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos,” Mejia told CBS.
“I turned around to look, and the poor gentleman that was sitting next to him in the aisle seat, the individual had his hands around his neck and was, like, assaulting him.”
Mejia later told ABC News that Lundeen had “made derogatory remarks to the staff of American Airlines and other passengers – racial slurs, vulgar language, very offensive to the women” seated nearby.
Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen after the aircraft landed in Baltimore about 10.15pm.
Maryland court records cited by the Guardian show Lundeen faces misdemeanour counts of disorderly conduct and second-degree assault. He was released the day after his arrest and was not required to post a bond.