American Airlines Grapples with Fuel Supply Shortage

As domestic travel picks up, American Airlines announced that it is currently dealing with a fuel supply shortage issue. As the airline deals with fuel delivery delays, American Airlines has to add stops to certain flights. The airline also asked their pilots to conserve fuel whenever possible. One solution to save fuel includes taxiing with a single engine.

Unfortunately, this isn’t just an American Airlines problem. It also affected other airlines. According to John Dudley, managing director of flight operations, in a pilot memo, “American Airlines station jet fuel delivery delays initially affected mostly western US cities, but as now being reported at American stations across the country”. He added that “Delivery delays are expected to continue through mid-August”.

American Airlines said that some of their flights will have to carry additional fuel in affected airports.

Dudley wrote that “As our country continues to face multiple challenges, let’s work together as a team to operate reliably, safely, and as efficiently as possible”.

Fuel Supply Shortage Issues are “Minimal”

American Airlines announced that even if they are dealing with fuel supply shortage issues, the problem has been “minimal”. It hasn’t caused the airline to cancel flights as a result of this concern.

American Airlines said that “Our team continues to work around the clock to monitor the situation and minimize the impact on our customers”.

Delta Air Lines said that they’ve seen fuel delays in some Western airports but it never affected their operations. Southwest Airlines also denied having any disruptions due to fuel supply shortages. However, Southwest announced that they’d turn to tinkering or carrying more fuel if necessary.

Airlines for America announced that “We have been and continue to be in communication with federal authorities and pipeline operators to address this jet fuel capacity issue”.

Domestic Travel Rebound

The fuel supply issue came from the latest surge in domestic leisure travel. US airlines say that the numbers are near or even above 2019 levels.

On Saturday, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak and other lawmakers announced that they are looking for ways to prevent fuel shortages in Reno-Tahoe International Airport.