American Airlines pilots asked to delay vacations amid exodus

AMR Corp.'s American Airlines asked some pilots to voluntarily delay vacations this month to ensure adequate staffing after more retirements than the carrier expected. In September, 111 pilots chose to retire, about 10 times the average monthly number over the past year, according to the Allied Pilots Association. Forty-five captains and four first officers who fly Boeing Co. 777s were among the retirees, the union said in an email to members. "At this time, we're pretty confident we can cover the near term," said Missy Cousino, an American spokeswoman. "That's why we have systems in place like reserves and the ability of pilots to pick up additional time." The larger number of retirements resulted in part from pilots seeking to obtain maximum value for stock in their pension plans, said Sam Mayer, spokesman for the APA.