American Airlines to Close Kansas City Base

American Airlines announced today that it would close its maintenance base at Kansas City International Airport in Missouri in September 2010. The decision was made because of a decrease in flights.

The airline’s fleet, which used to amount to 900, is now down to 600. American Airlines currently also has maintenance bases in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth, Texas. The maintenance hangar at Tulsa International Airport location just opened last month, and cost $9.8 million, and employs 6,000 mechanics.

The base has been around for 50 years, and was once operated by TWA. The union, airline, and city tried to find a more affordable way around closing the base, but could not find a solution. Most airlines use independent operators for maintenance, which costs less than American’s labor cost.

Eligible employees will receive a $12,500 severance.

© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney