American Airlines’ pilots union has raised concerns about an increase in safety and maintenance issues within the airline, citing fewer routine aircraft inspections and shorter test flights on planes returning from major maintenance work. The union has reported incidents of tools and items being left in wheel wells and the sterile area around planes parked at airport gates.

The airline, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has stated that it maintains an industry-leading safety management system and is in regular contact with regulators and unions to strengthen its safety record and culture. Dennis Tajer, a pilot and spokesman for the union, expressed the union’s commitment to ensuring American Airlines maintains strong safety standards.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) declined to comment directly on the union’s allegations, emphasizing that airlines are required to have systems for identifying potential hazards before they become serious problems. The Allied Pilots Association’s safety committee has also reported a significant increase in safety- and maintenance-related issues within the operation.

The union highlighted that American Airlines has extended the time between routine inspections on planes and now conducts abbreviated test flights on planes returning to service after major maintenance checks or long-term storage. It urged its members to report any safety or maintenance problems they encounter.

These concerns come amid national attention on a Boeing whistleblower who has reported catastrophic safety risks in two of the company’s plane models, further raising awareness about safety issues within the aviation industry.

As the industry continues to navigate these challenges, it is crucial for airlines to prioritize and maintain rigorous safety standards to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.

Image: American Airlines passenger jets parked at their gates on a rainy morning at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport which serves the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, metroplex area in Texas. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)