The Allied Pilots Association warned its members that American Airlines could face the same public and government scrutiny as United Airlines in a memo released on Saturday.
The memo detailed several safety incidents, such as tools being left in wheel wells and eliminating overnight maintenance checks unless scheduled. It also claimed that due to aircraft shortages, there has been pressure to return planes to service quickly to maintain on-time performance.
The Airline Industry Under The Spotlight
The airline industry has come under heightened scrutiny regarding safety, especially following an incident in January when a door plug unexpectedly blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9.
In March, United Airlines encountered criticism due to several safety incidents, including a panel falling off a Boeing 737-800, an engine emitting flames on a departing jet, and another plane sliding off the runway in Houston.
United CEO Scott Kirby reassured customers on March 18, emphasizing safety as the airline's top priority after the incidents. The Federal Aviation Administration then heightened its supervision of United, potentially delaying future projects based on its assessments. Consequently, United had to postpone the launch of flights from Newark to Faro, Portugal, and Tokyo to Cebu in the Philippines.
American Airlines' Positive Response to Union's Safety Concerns
On Monday, a spokesperson mentioned that union officials discussed their concerns with senior airline managers and found the company's response promising.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, American Airlines claims to have a top-notch safety management system. It highlights its comprehensive safety program, which is informed by its leading safety management system. America also mentioned its collaborative initiatives with the FAA and all its unions, including APA, to reinforce its solid safety track record and advance its continuously improving safety culture.
Dennis Tajer, a pilot and spokesperson for the union, said they recently discussed concerns with senior management. The initial response was positive, and they fully intend to do everything they can to ensure that American Airlines maintains strong margins of safety.
Tajer emphasized that while changes to safety processes may be legal, legality does not guarantee safety or wisdom.
The union also observed longer intervals between regular aircraft inspections and noted that Americans conduct shortened flight check tests when a plane resumes service after extensive maintenance or prolonged storage.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not address the union's claims directly or indicate any increased oversight of Americans. In a statement, a spokesperson mentioned that airlines must have systems to identify potential hazards before they escalate.
The Allied Pilots Association's safety committee emailed members on Saturday to notify them about a notable increase in safety and maintenance issues within their operations.
American Airlines and Unions' Collaboration for Safety
The union reported that American has extended the intervals between routine inspections on aircraft and has ceased overnight maintenance checks unless a plane requires special attention or is scheduled for maintenance. The airline now also conducts shortened test flights for planes returning to service after major maintenance checks or extended storage periods.
In an email, the union encouraged its members to report any safety or maintenance concerns they encounter, emphasizing the importance of catching potential errors to prevent tragedies.
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