American Airlines Statement on MD-80 Aircraft Maintenance

March 26, 2008
MD-80 wiring re-inspected in accordance with directive.

FORT WORTH -- It has been widely reported that the FAA has increased the auditing of maintenance records of all airlines. During the audit of American Airlines, a joint team of AA and FAA inspectors raised questions regarding an already accomplished directive concerning how a certain bundle of wires is secured to the MD-80 aircraft. We are re-inspecting the MD-80s to make sure the wiring is installed and secured exactly according to the directive.

Because the process can take several hours per aircraft, we have had to cancel approximately 200 flights as the aircraft are being inspected. Many inspections have already been completed and the aircraft are currently in service. We are in the process of completing the inspections on the remaining airplanes and will return them to service on a rolling basis throughout the day.

For more information visit www.aa.com.