May 30, 2008 — Skyrocketing fuel costs and a "softening economy" have forced American Airlines to cut back on its flight schedule, with changes going into effect as early as Jan. 5, according to a statement issued Friday by the company.
Though local government officials said the cuts have not yet been finalized, it is clear that the restructuring of American and American Eagle operations in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will have an impact on travel in and out of the territory.
Initial changes to the flight schedule are:
— discontinuation of service from Chicago to Buenos Aires, effective Sept. 3, 2009;
— discontinuation of service from Chicago to Honolulu, Hawaii, effective Jan. 5, 2009 (between September 2008 and January 2009, flights from Chicago to Honolulu will only be available on "peak demand days," according to the company's statement); and
— discontinuation of service from Boston to San Diego, effective Sept. 3, 2009.
"Restructuring of American and American Eagle operations at San Juan, Puerto Rico, will begin in September," the statement said. "This round of reductions will affect American and American Eagle flights originating from San Juan to the United States and various islands in the Caribbean."
Starting next week, customers impacted by the changes will be re-booked on other flights.
The company also plans to retire 40 to 45 of its mainline aircraft (mostly MD-80s and a few Airbus A300s) and another 35 to 40 regional jets. In hopes of "significantly" reducing costs, American Eagle will also retire its Saab fleet by the end of the year, according to the company's statement.
The Source will bring you more flight details as additional information becomes available.
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