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American Airlines and Transport Workers Union Announce FAA Renewal of Mechanics Aviation Safety Action Program

Posted on: Thursday, 4 June 2009, 12:35 CDT

For the First Time Program Includes 'Just Culture' Provisions to Enhance Analysis of Root Causes of Events and Possible Mishaps Rather than Only Reported Incidents

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines, in conjunction with the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), today announced the renewal by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), of the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) for American's mechanics.

American and TWU have had a program in place for 11 years and with the FAA approved renewal of the program, ASAP will be extended for two more years. The TWU/American Airlines ASAP maintenance program is the longest running in U.S. commercial aviation.

ASAP is a safety partnership organized by American, the union, and the FAA, designed to encourage employees to voluntarily report safety-related information. The reports help identify potential precursors to serious safety incidents. For the first time in the program's history, the ASAP program will now have a "Just Culture" provision that will go beyond specific incidents and explore the systems, policies and procedures that may have contributed to an event or a possible incident.

"The benefits of having ASAP programs in place for our mechanics, as well as our flight attendants, dispatchers, and pilots cannot be overstated," said Peggy Sterling, American's Vice President - Safety, Security & Environmental. "The process is an incentive for employees to disclose issues that might not otherwise come to light, which then gives the company, the FAA, and the union the opportunity to analyze and respond to potential safety issues proactively."

According to Robert Gless, the AA System Coordinator and Assistant Director of TWU's Air Transport Division, "When it comes to passenger safety and security programs we stand shoulder to shoulder with American. We are very proud that our ASAP program is a model for the entire industry."

The information gathered in the ASAP reports will be analyzed jointly by an American representative, a representative from the TWU, and the FAA in order to develop and implement effective solutions to possible safety concerns. Addressing prospective safety concerns is essential to reducing future accidents and incidents.

The program is designed for employees to report safety-related issues through a non-punitive reporting process. Participation in ASAP is voluntary and confidential.

About the Transport Workers Union

Founded in 1934, the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) represents 200,000 workers and retirees, primarily in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads, including 26,000 workers at AMR. TWU represents more workers at American Airlines and American Eagle than any other labor organization. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. More information is available at www.twu.org.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com(R), provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

AmericanAirlines(R) We know why you fly(R)

Current AMR Corp. releases can be accessed on the Internet.

The address is http://www.aa.com

SOURCE American Airlines

Source: PR Newswire

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