American Airlines, Delta Airlines cancel hundreds of flights
American Airlines suspended over 100 flights on Thursday
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Thursday, 27, Mar 2008 08:00
Hundreds of flights by American Airlines and Delta Airlines have been cancelled today and tomorrow as the companies undertake safety checks.
The checks are necessary to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s directives on airworthiness.
A statement from Delta said it is working in "full partnership" with the FAA and "has begun proactively and voluntarily revalidating the full compliance of a prior Airworthiness Directive that was completed earlier this year".
Delta has cancelled approximately 275 flights on its MD88 aircraft, impacting on about three per cent of its worldwide flight schedule.
"Delta apologises in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and will work proactively to contact and re-accommodate any affected customers," a statement said.
"Based on the aggressive and proactive re-inspection schedule, Delta expects inspections to be complete on approximately 70 per cent of its MD88 fleet by early evening, with normal operations planned by early Friday."
American Airlines announced that it is nearing completion of its MD80 fleet after cancelling over 132 flights today.
"We sincerely regret this inconvenience and are actively working to re-accommodate our affected customers," the airline said in a statement.
"Please be assured that ensuring the safety of our customers is, and always will be, American's first priority."