American Airlines cuts swathe through jobs

American Airlines has announced plans to lay off as many as 1,100 pilots, mechanics and other ground staff in the coming months.

The airline warned there could be even more cutsin the bid to cut costs and counteract falling revenue.

The company's Senior Vice President of Human Resources Jeff Brundage said: "Unless things change significantly, we know we are in for a difficult winter."

Up to 450 pilots will be laid off by mid-2005 and between 300 and 400 mechanics and other maintenance workers will be slashed at the airline's Kansas City, Missouri, maintenance base, beginning in mid-November.

Between 200 and 250 jobs will be cut at American's maintenance operation in St. Louis, also from next month.