As parts of the United States brace for plummeting temperatures and winter’s icy grip, American Airlines is already deep in preparations for the deicing season, which officially begins on October 1st. Ensuring aircraft are free from snow, ice, or frost is paramount for on-time departures, and American’s highly skilled deicing teams are ready to tackle this critical task.
American’s dedication to safety and efficiency shines through its extensive deicing training programs, conducted well ahead of the autumn leaves turning. These programs equip thousands of team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform this vital task thoroughly and safely. The goal is simple: to ensure passengers reach their destinations without delay, just like defrosting a car before hitting the road.
Leading one of the largest and busiest deicing teams globally is Gene Herrick, who manages deicing operations for American Airlines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). His team deices over 10,000 flights at ORD during a typical season. American Airlines adheres to strict deicing guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Canada (TC), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), guaranteeing safety and compliance.
Recent advancements in deicing technology have significantly boosted operational efficiency. The adoption of electronic spray records and monitoring systems, introduced last year, has streamlined the process. This winter, ORD’s deicing facility boasts the capability to deice up to eight narrowbody planes simultaneously, doubling its former capacity. The amount of deicing fluid used varies depending on the severity of snow or ice accumulation, ranging from 60 to several hundred gallons per aircraft. Deicing procedures can occur either at the aircraft’s gate or at a centralized deicing pad, depending on airport protocols.
American Airlines extends its deicing services to its oneworld partner airlines, further solidifying its commitment to safety and operational excellence. The time required to deice each aircraft varies, influenced by the severity of frost, snow, or ice buildup. While efficiency is crucial, the team’s primary focus remains unwavering – maintaining the safety of both passengers and crew throughout the entire deicing process.
As the winter season approaches, American Airlines stands ready to navigate the challenges of winter weather, ensuring that passengers can rely on safe and efficient travel, no matter the conditions.
