Tensions are building between American Airlines and its pilots’ union over what the labor group describes as an unacceptable pattern of safety breaches and maintenance failures now plaguing the airline’s operations.
In a strongly-worded message, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) warned its members of “a significant spike in safety- and maintenance-related problems” that it believes pose serious risks to both crews and passengers.
The concerns raised by the union tells a narrative of an airline potentially cutting corners on essential safety protocols. Among the issues cited are tools and equipment being left in critical areas of aircraft, an uptick in ground collisions during towing operations, and a lack of spare parts that is allegedly pressuring mechanics to rush repairs and return planes to service prematurely.
Perhaps most alarming is the APA’s claim that pilots have directly witnessed maintenance lapses that should have grounded aircraft until properly addressed.
In one incident detailed by the union to CBS News, a pilot reported discovering a hammer, pliers, and a screwdriver carelessly left in the wheel well of an Airbus A319 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport shortly before the plane was scheduled to depart.
While American Airlines has sought to downplay the union’s allegations, asserting that safety remains its top priority guided by “industry-leading” protocols, the APA remains unconvinced.
Union leaders have vowed to escalate their demands for greater oversight and involvement in the airline’s safety and quality assurance processes, which they argue currently lack sufficient transparency and worker input.
“We secured management’s commitment to involve the union earlier in the safety risk assessment (SRA) process, and we are likewise seeking a commitment that APA will have a seat at the table for the entire quality assurance process.”
The clash between American Airlines and its pilots comes at a particularly sensitive time for the industry. Rival carrier United Airlines is already under intense scrutiny from regulators following a series of high-profile incidents, including the dramatic shedding of a wheel and engine cowling mid-flight.
Any perceived safety lapses could deal a severe blow to public confidence as the busy summer travel season approaches.
Aviation experts warn that the allegations raised by the APA, if substantiated, could point to systemic issues that extend far beyond any single carrier. A culture of prioritizing on-time performance and cost-cutting over robust maintenance and safety programs has long been cited as a potential vulnerability across major airlines.
