US Airways pilots: We’re pressured to cut fuel

WASHINGTON (AP)


The union also paid for a full-page ad in Wednesday’s USA TODAY addressed to “our valued passengers.” The ad accuses the airline of “a program of intimidation to pressure your captain to reduce fuel loads.”

Ray said soaring jet fuel prices have sent all the airlines scrambling to find ways to cut the weight of airliners because the heavier the plane, the more fuel the plane burns. US Airways, based in Tempe, Ariz., has recently removed movie players, redesigned its meal carts and replaced glassware with plastic to cut weight.

Jet fuel has surpassed labor as the airline industry’s greatest expense.

But US Airways recently crossed the line when it ordered eight pilots who requested “an extra 10 to 15 minutes worth of fuel” to attend training sessions, or “check rides,” that could put their pilot licenses in jeopardy, Ray said. The pilots were supposed to report for their training sessions Wednesday, he said.

AP