American Airlines, Union Reach Agreement To Staff Holiday Flights

American Airlines and the union that represents the airline's pilots, the Allied Pilots Association, have reached an agreement in principle that will allow the airline to maintain a full December schedule and not interrupt holiday travel plans.

The agreement comes after a scheduling glitch resulted in too many pilots being granted vacation over Christmas, leaving flights scheduled around the holidays with no pilots.

CNBC reported that main airport hubs in New York, Florida, Texas and Illinois could be affected by delays or cancelled flights caused by the glitch.

According to a statement issued by the APA on Friday, the union anticipates that American Airlines will be able to maintain a full December schedule as planned for its passengers.

"The APA leadership met with American Airlines senior management today to discuss APA’s grievance concerning restrictions on premium pay and trip trading for December flying," the statement, which was addressed to fellow pilots, said. "APA and management have reached an agreement in principle addressing our respective needs, and we have withdrawn our grievance."

In a statement, American Airlines declared that "if Santa is flying, so is American."

"Earlier this week, American Airlines shared that a processing error resulted in some concern as to whether our flights over the December holidays would have adequate pilot staffing," the statement from AA said. "We are pleased to report that together, American and the Allied Pilots Association have put that worry to rest to make sure our flights will operate as scheduled.

"By working together, we can assure customers that among the many stresses of the season, worrying about a canceled flight won’t be one of them. In short, if Santa is flying, so is American. Much appreciation to APA President Capt. Dan Carey and our 15,000 professional aviators who are doing their part to cover the holiday schedule and beyond. As always, when there’s a need, the American Airlines team comes together to take care of each other and our customers."

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