American Airlines has been fined with $24.2 million by The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as maintenance charges for cancellation of thousand of MD-80 flights. The cancellations took place in 2008.

This is the largest penalty that has been imposed by FAA and it is said that American is negotiating to reduce it.

American has been long disputing this decision and has got 30 days in hand to appeal against it. The company said in a statement, "American Airlines has always maintained its aircraft to the highest standards, and we continue to do so. We assure our customers there was never a safety of flight issue surrounding these circumstances more than two years ago."

FAA has also been criticized for following a relaxed approach towards maintenance-related issues has not started following a more aggressive approach.

In reply to various questions by media, Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood said that they expect the operators to have inspections and go ahead with regular maintenance procedure.

Meanwhile, FAA has also said that American failed to follow any of its orders and during inspections bundles of wires bundled on the wheels were found in the MD-80 planes.