American Airlines gains 2 more departures

Paul Clinton

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT -- With the dissolution of Trans World Airlines,

the Board of Supervisors have handed over the airline’s two daily

departures to American Airlines on an interim basis.

The board unanimously approved the transfer Tuesday.

American, which paid $742 million for TWA after the airline filed for

bankruptcy protection in April, can use the flight slots until Sept. 30.

At that time, Airport Director Alan Murphy is expected to determine what

to do with the flights.

Under one potential scenario, one of the existing 11 carriers could be

given the flights. Continental, at the front of the waiting list, would

be given first crack. Murphy could also bring in a new carrier or hold

the flights in reserve.

“This is far from permanent,” said John Leyerle, the airport’s noise

and access manager.

TWA, the first carrier to offer coast-to-coast flights, filed for

bankruptcy Jan. 10. American completed its takeover April 9.

TWA offered two daily departures out of John Wayne Airport to St.

Louis. The airline scheduled the flights seven days a week.

After TWA Inc. declared bankruptcy, TWA LLC was formed to operate the

airline day to day. TWA LLC is owned by American.

American, which surpassed United as the country’s largest airline with

the takeover, has continued to operate the flights under the new

corporation as it completes the merger.

Under the terms of the interim agreement, American will also be given

one overnight parking space for a plane at the airport. Those are known

as “remain over night” slots.