US Aviation Agency Orders Industry-Wide Safety Review

18 March 2008 -- The U.S. aviation agency has ordered a review of maintenance records at all U.S. airlines, after safety violations were reported at Southwest Airlines.

The acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Robert Sturgell, Tuesday said the recent lapse at one airline prompted the decision to confirm that all other carriers were in full compliance.

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Sturgell said an initial review would be completed by March 28, and the full audit would conclude by the end of June.

Earlier this month, the FAA proposed leveling a more than $10 million fine against Southwest Airlines after determining the company flew 46 planes without required inspections.

In other industry news, Delta Airlines has announced it is offering voluntary severance payouts to more than half of its employees as part of a plan to deal with soaring fuel prices. Delta says its goal is to cut 2,000 jobs.

Delta said today that 30,000 workers are eligible for the job departure packages, excluding pilots.

The number-three U.S. airline says it also plans to cut five percent of its domestic flights by August because of record high fuel costs and the weakening economy. But Delta says its international service will continue to expand.

Source: VOA News