9.17.09 – (LAA) – AA Announces New Financing Initiatives and Network Restructuring

AMERICAN AIRLINES ANNOUNCES NEW FINANCING INITIATIVES AND NETWORK RESTRUCTURING

American today, September 17, 2009, announced what was termed a “series of actions that will better position it to meet the industry’s near-term economic challenges while continuing to build on its foundation and strategy for long-term success.”

These actions consist of several financial initiatives as well as a reallocation of flights to the major hubs (DFW, ORD, MIA and JFK) as well as LAX, a restoral of some previously canceled flying, an addition of several new markets and cities and a reduction in many markets, including STL and RDU.

The company has not announced reductions in overall flying.

The complete information is contained in an update from Lauri Curtis on the Flight Service website, as well as the company’s press release, a special Jetwire and Q&A, and a slide presentation (all available through Jetnet. Links are included below.)

The company has characterized this as a “reallocation” of our present capacity. It is not apparent at this time that it will result in any general manning decrease. Obviously, though, the STL flying will see some major changes. These two Questions and Answers in the Jetnet Q&A address this fact:
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Why are we reducing flying in STL?
Given an unprecedented economic environment, competitive actions, and changing customer expectations, American is refocusing its network and resources to its five key cities. This was a difficult decision, but our resources must be focused so that we are in the best position to capitalize on important feed and global synergies that are anticipated to result from closer cooperation with British Airways and Iberia, along with other oneworld airlines.

How many employees will be impacted in St. Louis? What about the flight attendant and pilot base?
We don’t yet know how STL/STL-based employees will be affected by the reduction in flying. At present we have no plans to close our crew base.
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APFA will continue to gather information from the company and discuss as needed any impact on our membership and bases.

Please check the links below to read the information available through the Flight Service website and through Jetnet.

Press release from AA.com

Flight Service/Jetnet links (Jetnet login required):

Lauri Curtis announcement
Special Jetwire
Network Restructuring Q&A
Network Restructuring slides