American Airlines, still struggling to turn a profit, recently came up with a new cost-cutting measure that would reduce the amount of fuel its planes carry on flights.
The plan could save the airline $15 million per year, according to company officials, and has gained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. One industry expert and former commercial pilot, however, raised safety concerns over the plan.
Historically, the FAA has required airlines to list alternate destinations and carry extra fuel on each flight during bad-weather days. The contingency plans were implemented in case a flight had to be diverted.
The requirement cost airlines significant amounts of money for extra fuel. American Capt. Steve Chealander said the additional fuel costs were unnecessary because weather technology has improved since the FAA set the requirement.
NBC5i
The plan could save the airline $15 million per year, according to company officials, and has gained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. One industry expert and former commercial pilot, however, raised safety concerns over the plan.
Historically, the FAA has required airlines to list alternate destinations and carry extra fuel on each flight during bad-weather days. The contingency plans were implemented in case a flight had to be diverted.
The requirement cost airlines significant amounts of money for extra fuel. American Capt. Steve Chealander said the additional fuel costs were unnecessary because weather technology has improved since the FAA set the requirement.
NBC5i