American, United Take Safety Moves on Wiring

American Airlines and United Airlines have taken extra safety measures on wiring that powers passenger laptop computers during flights, and United has temporarily shut down the systems on its Boeing Co. 777 aircraft. American is almost finished checking its fleet of more than 700 aircraft to make sure there are no loose wires. In mid-May, an American Airbus A300-600 flying from Boston to London was diverted to Shannon, Ireland, after an electrical smell started coming from one of the cabins, an American spokesman said. A wire under a seat had chafed against the metal seat structure, creating a potential electrical threat. United has temporarily shut down laptop-powering setups in its 777s, a spokesman said. A United engineer noticed that the wiring, installed by a third party, was not properly separated from other wiring. The modifications will be delayed because United does not want to take the aircraft, which fly long international flights, out of commission during the busy summer season, the spokesman said.

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