Allied Pilots Association Expresses Support for American Airlines' Dispatchers in Controversy over Fuel Load
FORT WORTH, Texas--(Business Wire)--
The Allied Pilots Association, certified collective bargaining
agent for the 12,000 pilots of American Airlines (NYSE: AMR),
expressed its support for the airline's dispatchers today in an
ongoing controversy over aircraft fuel loads.
"Dispatchers should not be subject to discipline for using their
judgment to help the captain determine the appropriate fuel load for a
given flight," said APA President Captain Lloyd Hill. "Any attempt by
airline management to inappropriately influence or intimidate the
dispatchers is extremely misguided."
The captain and the dispatcher share responsibility under the
federal aviation regulations for deciding how much fuel to carry for a
given flight. Their decision can be influenced by a wide range of
factors, including the forecast for en-route and destination weather.
For example, thunderstorms along the route could result in a more
circuitous flight path, while severe weather at the destination would
increase the odds of a flight having to hold or ultimately divert.
Both scenarios would result in a higher fuel burn rate. Turbulence
could dictate a lower altitude, which would also result in higher fuel
consumption.
"We are concerned about what appears to be a drive toward minimum
standards by our airline and others," Hill said. "Until now, American
Airlines has never been an airline that has been satisfied with
meeting only federally mandated minimums."
Hill pointed out that one consequence of carrying less fuel would
be an increased number of flights that are diverted from their
intended destination when unexpected delays occur.
"American Airlines already suffers from industry-trailing
reliability," Hill said. "It's hard to imagine that our airline's
management would consider doing anything that further compromises our
operational reliability. They should instead be focused on finding
ways to serve our customers better."
Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association--the largest
independent pilot union in the U.S.--is headquartered in Fort Worth,
Texas. APA represents the 12,000 pilots of American Airlines,
including 1,970 pilots on furlough. The furloughs began shortly after
the September 11, 2001 attacks. Also, several hundred American
Airlines pilots are on full-time military leave of absence serving in
the armed forces. The union's Web site address is
www.alliedpilots.org. American Airlines is the nation's largest
passenger carrier and fifth-largest cargo carrier.
Allied Pilots Association
Captain Kevin Cornwell, 817-302-2359 / 817-313-4797
or
Gregg Overman, 817-302-2250 / 817-312-3901
Copyright Business Wire 2008
