American pilots lose US$45.5mn fine appeal

An appeal from the American Airlines’ union, representing more than 10,000 pilots, was rejected in the US fifth circuit court of appeals. They sought to postpone paying a US$45.5mn fine as damages to the airline, American, in respect of a pilot ‘sickout’ in February 1999 that was ruled illegal. The 10-day action led to cancellation of nearly 6,700 flights and cost the airline US$225mn.