An American Airlines pilots union has alerted its members to a “significant spike” in safety issues, including collisions between aircraft being towed, tools left in wheel wells, and the removal of overnight maintenance checks. The Allied Pilots Union (APA), which represents 15,000 pilots, reported these “problematic trends” in a memo urging pilots to prioritise safety over speed.
In a statement, American Airlines emphasised its commitment to safety, citing its industry-leading safety management system and regular collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and unions. The airline said its “robust safety program” includes multiple collaborative programmes to bolster its safety record.
The APA memo warned pilots not to be pressured into actions that “don’t pass the ‘smell test’”, adding that “just because it’s legal doesn’t make it safe”. APA President Ed Sicher said he had met with senior management to discuss the hazards, noting that the union is focused on finding solutions through collaboration.
The union cautioned that American Airlines could face similar scrutiny to United Airlines, which experienced eight safety incidents in two weeks last month, including an engine fire and a tyre falling off a plane. The broader airline industry has been under pressure since a door plug blew out of a Boeing 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, prompting investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and tighter FAA safety measures.
