Lack of Parts Cancels Some Reno Flights

Was your Reno Air flight canceled last month? Turns out you had some company. A total of 93 flights were canceled in June--compared to only 28 in June 1996.

Reno Air spokeswoman Connie Huff said the higher numbers were “affected by an industry-wide shortage of parts used in the maintenance overhaul of MD-80 engines.” She said the airline has acquired more engines to deal with the situation, and “we apologize for any inconvenience.”

Spokesmen for American and Southwest denied having similar problems. United reported “some difficulties in getting parts” but said it has not affected customers.

Mark Sullivan, spokesman for East Hartford, Conn.-based Pratt & Whitney, which makes the JT8D engine used in the MD-80 and many other aircraft, confirmed that “parts are in tight supply” due to the boom in airline travel.