American Airlines urges pilots to conserve fuel amid shortage that could lead to more stops and fewer seats on flights

  • American Airlines is asking pilots to conserve fuel as the US sees a surge in summer travel
  • The airline is citing a nationwide supply crunch stemming from shortages of fuel, as well as trucks and drivers to transport it
  • The airline may add stops to certain flight routes because of the fuel delays and is tankering fuel, which can limit overall flight capacity
  • American says at this time the effects of the shortage have been minimal
  • The airline says they are continuing to 'work around the clock to monitor the situation and minimize the impact on our customers'

American Airlines is asking pilots to conserve fuel whenever possible as the US sees a surge in summer travel.

The air carrier released a memo to pilots Monday warning about a nationwide supply crunch and urging them to do everything possible to save fuel.

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'Use all available fuel savings strategies when possible,' Managing Director of Flight Operations John Dudley said in the memo. 'Every gallon of jet fuel saved is helpful.'

Experts say the supply crunch stems from shortages of fuel, as well as trucks and drivers to transport it.  

The fuel crunch comes as airlines experience a surge in travel demand after a sharp downturn last year during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As evidenced by data from TSA checkpoints (above), traveler throughput has been increasing since the beginning of the year

The fuel crunch comes as airlines experience a surge in travel demand after a sharp downturn last year during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As evidenced by data from TSA checkpoints, traveler throughput has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the year. 

This means that as travelers are starting to fly again, they may find themselves with less desirable flight options.

According to CNBC, American Airlines may have to add stops to certain flight routes because of the fuel delays.

While the airline has faced 'minimal' flight disruptions thus far and hasn't had to cancel any flights due to the fuel supply shortage, officials expect to see its impact throughout the summer.

'American Airlines station jet fuel delivery delays initially affected mostly western U.S. cities, but are now being reported at American stations across the country. Delivery delays are expected to continue through mid-August,' Dudley said. 

In addition to planned stops, the airline has started tankering fuel, which means that certain flights are carrying additional fuel into airports that have been affected by the shortages. 

Dudley also urged pilots to contact American Airlines dispatchers early 'if it is necessary to land enroute' and noted that taking on extra fuel 'will lead to a heavier aircraft when landing'.

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However, because extra fuel adds weight, Dennis Tajer, a spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association (APA), noted planes may need to leave some seats empty to ensure safety of all passengers. This could limit traveler capacity on certain routes.

The graph above shows how the price of jet fuel in the US has risen substantially since last fall

Tajer expects planes to fly with more fuel than needed to complete their journey when traveling from cities where fuel is more abundant into cities where supply is tight. 

A memo from APA to union members stated that while 'these new challenges are manageable, [it's] important to be proactive and work closely with the load agents and dispatchers.'

In a statement to DailyMail.com, American Airlines said the company is aware of the shortage and has taken steps to minimize the industry-wide impacts. The statement reads:

'We are aware of fuel supply issues at some airports, predominately across the western US, affecting a number of carriers. American is currently experiencing minimal operational impact due to fuel supply issues. Our team continues to work around the clock to monitor the situation and minimize the impact on our customers.' 

American Airlines declined to comment on whether or not the fuel shortage has impacted the company's finances or stock.  

Meanwhile, both Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have echoed American Airlines' claims, saying they haven't had any operational problems due to the shortage but have seen fuel delays at smaller airports.

Southwest told CNBC they would turn to tankering fuel if needed. 

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