American Airlines forced to cancel a further 900 flights
American Airlines has cancelled over 900 flights
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Thursday, 10, Apr 2008 07:28
American Airlines cancelled over 900 flights on Thursday as safety inspections continue on some of its aircraft.
Today marks the third consecutive day of cancellations for the US' biggest airline.
With 300 planes grounded today, the total number of flights affected by the disruption now stands at 2,400, with 100,000 passengers experiencing delays as a result.
The cancellations were forced upon the airline after inspectors discovered problems with wiring repairs on its MD-80 aircraft two weeks ago.
American Airlines chief executive Gerard Arpey released a statement today saying: "We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused our customers.
"American [Airlines] will do whatever it takes to assist those affected by these flight changes, and our employees are working hard to ensure that we remain their choice for air travel."
Monetary refunds, flight vouchers and compensation for overnight accommodation, as a result of the cancellations, have been offered by the airline.
Earlier, at Capital Hill, Senator Jay Rockefeller described the situation as woeful.
"I think [it's] approaching losing the confidence of the American people and of the Congress," he said.
The Federal Aviation Administration's head of safety Nicholas Sabatini defended American Airlines stating: "We found we had achieved 99 percent safety compliance."
Though, he added: "It's the other one percent that keeps me up at night."