Pilot’s Union Raises Red Flag Over Increasing American Airlines Safety Lapses

The Allied Pilots Association, the union representing pilots of American Airlines, has alleged a sharp rise in safety issues at one of the largest air carriers in the US. In a recent message to its members, the union warned of “problematic trends” like tools being left in aircraft wheel wells and collisions during ground operations. The union said the incidents if not addressed can undermine passenger safety.

The union particularly flagged the “pressure to return aircraft to line service to maintain on-time performance” as a major concern. It said such pressures could force pilots to overlook critical pre-flight checks and minor technical faults to avoid flight delays. The Allied Pilots Association told its members that as the last line of defense for passenger safety, they should resist any intimidation and promptly report all safety issues.

American Airlines Insists Safety is Top Priority

In response to the union’s allegations, American Airlines in a statement emphasized that safety remains its top concern. The airline said it has a “robust safety program” guided by an “industry-leading safety management system” involving regular collaboration with regulators and unions. However, the pilots union maintains the recent incidents point to underlying safety issues that need investigation to restore passenger confidence in the airline.

The union message comes at a time when the aviation industry is under increased public scrutiny over safety after multiple incidents were reported from carriers in the US and overseas in recent months. While American Airlines says it is taking corrective actions, the pilots union has indicated it will continue flagging new safety issues to the concerned authorities to ensure passengers are protected from all risks during flights.