American Airlines cancels about 200 flights to inspect MD-80 aircraft

FORT WORTH (AP) - American Airlines canceled about 200 flights Wednesday so its crews can inspect some wire bundles aboard its MD-80 aircraft.

A statement issued by the Fort Worth-based airline says the need for the new inspections became known during an audit of American by a joint team of federal and company inspectors.

American spokesman Tim Wagner says the inspectors are checking to make sure the wiring is installed and secured exactly according to federal directives. He says the aircraft will be restored to service on a rolling basis throughout the day.

The cancellations affect fewer than 10 percent of American's schedule for Wednesdaysaid. About 50 departures were canceled at American's hubs at Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare international airports.

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