toddmichaels

DALLAS/FT. WORTH (Bloomberg News) -- American Airlines, the world's largest carrier, canceled 200 flights today to re-inspect wiring in Boeing Co. MD-80s after federal regulators raised questions during a maintenance audit.

Two of American's eight flights today from Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport were canceled; two of the airline's seven arriving flights were also canceled.

The cancellations represent about 9 percent of American's daily flights. American is checking whether a bundle of wires was installed and secured according to a Federal Aviation Administration directive, American spokesman Tim Wagner said in an e-mailed statement.

It's the second time in a week that AMR Corp., American's parent, has had to cancel flights as the FAA conducts special maintenance audits at U.S. airlines. Carriers have come under increased scrutiny since March 6, when the agency proposed a $10.2 million fine against Southwest Airlines Co. for flying 46 jets without required fuselage inspections.

"Many inspections have already been completed and the aircraft are currently in service," Wagner said. "We are in the process of completing the inspections on the remaining airplanes and will return them to service on a rolling basis throughout the day."

Fort Worth, Texas-based American has 300 MD-80s, which make up about 46 percent of its main jet fleet.

AMR's American Eagle regional carrier grounded 25 jets and canceled 15 flights on March 21 to review inspection paperwork on the planes' rudders and hydraulic systems.