America West Denies It Will Be Grounded

Sat., Dec. 9, 2000

From Staff

America West Airlines strenuously denied a report that the airline is “perilously close” to being grounded, saying the airline is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to address ongoing problems.

U.S. News and World Report magazine issued a statement late Thursday quoting FAA flight standards director Nick Lacey as saying America West is “at the end of the rope.”

“We are essentially nearing the point where we have to start questioning the competency, qualifications and commitment of (America West’s) management team,” Lacey said in an article to be published Monday.

America West said it provided the FAA with an action plan in September to correct maintenance problems raised in a July audit. The plan was accepted by the safety agency, America West President Doug Parker said.

Parker said the airline is working closely with the FAA to continue those improvements and does not face any action threatening a shutdown.

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America West Denies It Will Be Grounded

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

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