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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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American Gets Half of MD-80s Flying

Will cancel another 200, but aims to be on track in 24 hours

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(Newser) – American Airlines flew about half of its MD-80s on schedule today but will ground another 200 for inspections tomorrow morning, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Execs said that all planes should be back on track by tomorrow night. CEO Gerard Arpey accepted blame for the groundings that have canceled 3,000 flights, saying, "We were not in technical compliance, and that is our failure.”

But a union official blasted the Federal Aviation Administration, calling its regulations for wiring in MD-80 aircraft a “moving target.” "Hundreds of highly trained FAA award-winning technicians, the best in the business, with decades of experience, didn't simply get it wrong," he said. AA has not yet punished any workers, who are working at all hours to make its planes FAA-compliant.

American Airlines CEO Gerard Arpey.
American Airlines CEO Gerard Arpey.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The American Airlines arrival board is seen at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The airline hopes to resume regular schedules tomorrow PM.
The American Airlines arrival board is seen at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The airline hopes to resume regular schedules tomorrow PM.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
American Airlines chairman and chief executive Gerard Arpey. The airline expects to cancel 200 more flights tomorrow.
American Airlines chairman and chief executive Gerard Arpey. The airline expects to cancel 200 more flights tomorrow.   (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
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