American Airlines pilots union warns of 'significant spike' in safety problems
A union representing pilots for American Airlines warned over the weekend that there has been a “significant spike” in safety problems at the airline.
“APA has been tracking a significant spike in safety- and maintenance-related problems in our operation," the safety committee of the Allied Pilots Association (APA) wrote in a memo dated April 13. "While United Airlines is currently under public and government scrutiny, it could just as easily be American Airlines."
The union, which represents 15,000 American Airlines pilots, listed a series of “problematic trends” it has been observing. Among the problems were tools being left in wheel wells, a rise in collisions between aircraft being towed and longer intervals between routine aircraft inspections.
The union also said there has been improper paperwork when damaged aircraft are moved to a new location and a lack of proper special flight permits on international maintenance ferry flights.
It urged pilots to remain vigilant and take their time to ensure safety.
“Remember: Don’t rush, don’t be intimidated, and don’t be pressured into doing something that doesn’t pass the ‘smell test.’ Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it safe," the memo states. "Be mindful of the hazards while operating on the ramps and taxiways in congested airports staffed with inexperienced controllers and ground personnel."
In an update posted Monday, APA President Ed Sicher said the union met with senior management earlier this month to address the safety concerns.
“APA is squarely focused on finding solutions – which will require collaboration between the union and management – and management’s initial response to our concerns was encouraging,” he said.
American Airlines in a statement emphasized a commitment to safety, saying it collaborates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its unions to boost its “strong safety record and enhance our ever-evolving safety culture.”
“Safety at any airline is a shared mission and it’s especially true at American. Our robust safety program is guided by our industry-leading safety management system,” the airline added.
The aviation industry has faced increased scrutiny in recent months. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said last month it will be increasing oversight of United Airlines. Separately, the FAA is investigating Boeing for safety concerns after a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines aircraft earlier this year.
--Updated at 12:03 p.m. EDT.
Date: | |
Tag: | Travel |
Filter
-
American Airlines Gives Upbeat Guidance
The carrier’s shares climbed more than 4% premarket as it swung to a loss in the first three months of the year but provided a positive second-quarter forecast. The airline reduced its total debt by nearly $950 million.The Wall Street Journal - World - Travel -
Bristol Myers Squibb beats on revenue, launches $1.5 billion cost cuts as it posts quarterly loss
Bristol Myers Squibb said the charges primarily reflect its acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics and collaboration agreement with SystImmune.CNBC - Business -
American Airlines’ stock jumps after an upbeat profit outlook and record revenue
American Airlines’ stock climbed Thursday, after the air carrier reported a wider-than-expected loss but provided an upbeat profit outlook for the current quarter, as revenue rose to record levelsMarketWatch - Business -
American Airlines swings to a loss, but tops estimates for Q2 forecast
American Airlines swung to a loss in the first quarter, but its forecast for the current period surpassed analysts' estimates.CNBC - Business - Travel -
Southwest cuts growth plans, warning effect of Boeing airplane delays will last into 2025
Southwest Airlines is one of Boeing's biggest customers and flies only 737s.CNBC - Business -
Southwest will limit hiring and drop 4 airports after loss. American Airlines posts 1Q loss as well
American and Southwest airlines both say they lost money in the first quarter, and they're responding by trying to cut costsABC News - Top stories - Travel -
American Airlines cuts some international flights into 2025, citing Boeing delivery delays
American is the latest carrier to tweak its growth plan, citing late-arriving planes from Boeing.CNBC - Business - Travel -
The significance of the White House Correspondents Dinner
Over the decades, the annual White House Correspondents Dinner has allowed presidents to go into a more informal setting, let their hair down a bit, and poke fun at themselves. But some critics say the dinner is proof of a cozy relationship ...CBS News - Top stories -
Controversy over spiked antifascist speech dominates Italy's Liberation Day anniversary
Italy is marking its liberation from Nazi occupation and fascist rule amid a fresh media controversy over the legacy of Italian fascist complicity in the Holocaust and World War II-era crimesABC News - World -
Controversy over spiked antifascist speech dominates Italy's Liberation Day anniversary
Yahoo News - World
More from The Hill
-
Riot police drag away protesters at University of Texas as Gaza tensions flare
State troopers in riot gear moved on Monday afternoon to clear out students attempting to occupy a quad at the University of Texas at Austin. Dozens of protesters were arrested on site, escalating tensions that began on Wednesday when the ...The Hill - Politics -
Jill Stein accuses police of assaulting her at protest
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein on Sunday alleged police assaulted her and other demonstrators shortly before being arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. “Basically, the police ...The Hill - Politics -
US finds Israeli military units violated human rights
Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story US finds Israeli military units violated human rights The State Department has determined that at least five Israeli ...The Hill - Politics - Israel -
Evening Report — Protests continue to spread on college campuses
A quick recap of the day and what to look forward to tomorrow {beacon} Evening Report © AP Pro-Palestinian protests escalate on college campuses Hundreds of students have been arrested on college campuses across the country as ...The Hill - Politics -
FCC fines wireless carriers
Presented by Microsoft — {beacon} Technology Technology PRESENTED BY The Big Story FCC fines major mobile carriers $200M The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a fine totaling $200 million to the nation’s four largest mobile ...The Hill - Politics