In a recent memo, the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the union representing American Airlines Group Inc. pilots, has alerted its members about a "significant spike" in safety- and maintenance-related problems at the carrier. The union has urged pilots to remain vigilant and emphasized the importance of not compromising on safety.

The APA highlighted various worrisome trends in the memo dated April 13. These include instances of tools, such as hammers, being left in airplane wheel wells and a growing number of collisions between aircraft during towing. The union's message cautioned pilots against rushing through their tasks and asked them to resist any pressure to engage in unsafe practices.

American Airlines Group Inc. has not yet commented on the matter. However, the news of the safety concerns has already impacted the airline's stock, which fell by 1.3% in New York trading as of 1:25 p.m. on April 15. This year, the company's stock has seen a decline of 4.3% until April 12.

The APA's memo further underscores the heightened focus on airline safety following a notable incident in January when a panel blew off the side of an Alaska Airlines plane mid-flight. United Airlines Holdings Inc. has also faced scrutiny due to a series of high-profile mishaps, including a wheel detaching from a plane after takeoff and an aircraft skidding off a runway.

The union's memo warned that American Airlines could easily find itself in a similar situation as United Airlines, which has been under public and government scrutiny. To address these concerns, APA representatives have recently held discussions with senior management at American Airlines to explore the union's involvement in early safety risk assessments. The initial response from the carrier has been encouraging, according to APA spokesman Dennis Tajer, who emphasized the union's commitment to maintaining robust safety measures.

Besides the issues mentioned above, the APA pointed out increasing instances of equipment being left in sterile areas where planes dock and faulty documentation regarding the transportation of damaged aircraft to other locations. The union has also advised members to be cautious while operating on congested airport ramps and taxiways, particularly when dealing with inexperienced controllers and ground personnel.

It is worth noting that the Federal Aviation Administration has recently heightened its oversight of United Airlines as part of a comprehensive safety review, leading to the postponement of certain activities, including the launch of two new routes planned for this summer. Meanwhile, Boeing Co.'s manufacturing and quality practices are also facing intense scrutiny from the FAA following the Alaska Airlines incident involving a nearly new 737 Max 9 aircraft. The focus has now extended to the 787 Dreamliner after an engineer alleged manufacturing shortcuts on the aircraft.

The APA's message serves as a reminder that safety remains a crucial priority in the airline industry, and it is essential for all stakeholders to collaborate and address these mounting concerns to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.

Published: April 15, 2024, 11:51 PM IST