American Airlines mechanic arrested, charged for sabotaging flight
An American Airlines employee has been arrested after reportedly disabling an aircraft’s navigation equipment.
According to information obtained by The New York Times, authorities said an American Airlines (AA) mechanic arrested on Thursday last week for sabotaging the navigation equipment on a flight from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, did so because he was upset about an “impasse” over a union contract.
The mechanic’s action forced the grounding of Flight 2834, on 17 July, which was reportedly carrying some 150 people, after crew on board received an error message and aborted take-off, the news outlet reported.
He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of his charge of willfully damaging, destroying or disabling an aircraft.
Security camera footage reportedly showed the mechanic had gained access to the compartment housing the Boeing 737-800’s air data module system, where he inserted a “piece of foam” to obstruct the equipment.
According to a criminal complaint, the mechanic said “his intention was not to cause harm to the aircraft or its passengers” and he explained to law enforcement that he was “upset at the stalled contract dispute between the union workers and American Airlines”, which affected him financially.
It was also revealed the mechanic had tampered with the aircraft’s equipment in order to “cause a delay” or “have the flight cancelled” in anticipation of obtaining overtime work.
Adding to the problem with the navigation equipment, a pitot tube – used to determine airspeed, a measurement vital to controlling the plane – was also found to be loose, authorities said.
American Airlines told Travel Weekly the airline immediately notified federal law enforcement who took over the investigation “with our full cooperation”.
“At American, we have an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our customers and team members and we are taking this matter very seriously,” a spokesperson for the airline said.
“At the time of the incident, the aircraft was taken out of service, maintenance was performed and after an inspection to ensure it was safe, the aircraft was returned to service.”
Passengers boarded a new aircraft which then re-departed for Nassau.
In a letter to American Airlines team members, David Seymour, senior vice president of integrated operations, said recent news reports of “an extremely serious” incident that occurred over the summer are “disturbing and disappointing to all of us”.
“The allegations involve one individual who compromised the safety of one of our aircraft. Fortunately, with appropriate safety protocols and processes, this individual’s actions were discovered and mitigated before our aircraft flew. We have been cooperating with authorities in this matter and will continue to do so,” he said, adding the airline
Seymour added AA is home to more than 15,000 tech ops professionals – more than any other airline in the world – and that the airline is “committed to reaching a joint agreement for one contract” for its “entire tech ops team”.
His comments came two days after the TWU-IAM Association, which represents some 30,000 of American Airlines’ pilots, announced mediation talks between the airline and the union over contracts would resume. The union’s announcement came a day before the mechanic’s arrest.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
american airlinesLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.