American Dials Back Fall, Winter Flight Schedule

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 | Updated 11:04 AM CDT

Getty Images

An American Airlines jet departs San Francisco International Airport.

American Airlines is dialing back the number of flights it will operate in late fall and winter, and plans to retire up to 11 Boeing 757 aircraft next year.

Fort Worth-based American on Monday cited uncertainty over the economy and high fuel costs.

The flight schedule change will reduce the airline's mainline capacity in the fourth quarter by about 3 percent -- compared to a year earlier. The anticipation of pilot retirements in the fourth quarter also was a factor in the schedule change.

American in July ordered 460 fuel-efficient jets Airbus and Boeing. The carrier anticipates receiving the new Airbus and Boeing jets in 2013.

American Airlines Bankruptcy:
Find complete coverage of the American Airlines bankruptcy proceedings, expert analysis and impact to customers and the local economy in our special section. Click here for more.