In a move that cuts one more link to long-defunct TWA, American Airlines will close its St. Louis pilot base in September, affecting 180 pilots who live in the region.
The pilots who live in St. Louis will either have to commute to other cities or relocate after the base closes, American Airlines spokesman Matt Miller told the Post-Dispatch on Monday.
The closing is prompted by an upgrade in aircraft, as McDonnell Douglas-made MD-80s are retired and replaced with Boeing-made 737-800 aircraft.
American has 46 MD-80s in its system, which will be reduced to 26 by September. "We are also focused on simplifying hub/fleet operations by placing certain aircraft in certain stations to improve aircraft utilization," American Airlines spokeswoman Leslie Mayo said in an email.
American took ownership of the MD-80s through its acquisition of St. Louis-based TWA in 2001 for $4.2 billion. (St. Louis-based McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997.)
"It"™s a very difficult decision but necessitated by the retirement of our MD-80s and simplification of our network operations," Miller said.
Fort Worth, Texas-based American operates 10 other pilot bases in the United States. No other pilot bases are slated for closure, Mayo said.
In a letter sent to American employees by Kimball Stone, American"™s vice president of flight, the company said changes to its network will "improve aircraft utilization and simplify hub operations, continue to earn the loyalty of our customers and enhance career opportunities for our team members»…
