American Airlines warns about jet-fuel shortages around the US, asks pilots to conserve

American Airlines on Monday said it might have to add stops to certain flights because of fuel delivery delays at some small and midsize airports and asked pilots to save fuel when possible, the latest headache during a surge in summer travel. The carrier said airlines, including American, have experienced the delays due to a lack of truck drivers, trucks and fuel supply. “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,” John Dudley, managing director of flight operations, told pilots in a memo. The airline said flights will carry additional fuel into airports affected by shortages, a procedure known as tankering or add fueling stops. “As our country continues to face multiple challenges, let’s work together as a team to operate reliably, safely and as efficiently as possible,” Dudley wrote. He asked that pilots to use fuel saving strategies such as taxiing with a single engine. American said that the flight disruptions because of fuel supply shortages have so far been “minimal” and that it hasn’t had to cancel any flights as a result of them. “We have been and continue to be in communication with federal authorities and pipeline operators to address this jet fuel capacity issue,” said Airlines for America.<br/>