American Airlines – your questions answered

AMERICAN Airlines (AA) authorities in South Africa have responded to an influx in call volumes since speculative reporting on the airline began on CNN and BBC World last week and have taken the initiative to inform agents on the carrier’s exact position. The CNN and BBC reports claim AA could file for bankruptcy protection as early as this week. AA has said it simply can’t comment on every rumour, or every bit of speculation about the company. Don Carty, ceo of AA, explains that the airline’s goal is to get costs down to competitive levels. Apparently the carrier has set a target of $3,8bn (R30,4bn) in operating cost reductions. $2bn (R16,02bn) has already been removed and the airline is working with employees on the remaining $1,8bn (R14,4bn) in savings required to eliminate losses. Should the carrier go into bankruptcy protection, there will be no changes to any of the areas of concern to customers, such as flights, tickets or frequent flyer programmes. AA authorities maintain that in the past they have always been open and upfront and they will continue to keep agents up to date (Heather Ruddock)