American To Reduce US Capacity Growth

American Airlines has changed its plans for capacity growth in the United States and will slow its expansion in light of weaker-than-expected travel demand.

American said it expects total 2015 capacity to grow about 1 percent compared with 2014, versus an earlier forecast of 2 percent growth.

While its international expansion forecast remains unchanged, it said US capacity will grow between 1 and 2 percent this year, compared with a prior outlook of a 2 to 3 percent rise.

The airline did not offer an explanation for the change, although it recently has taken other actions such as deferring the delivery of 35 Airbus A320neo-family airliners to keep capacity in check.

The carrier also said it expects to retire one more Boeing 757 than it previously planned. It expects to increase its regional fleet of Bombardier CRJ900s by 21 aircraft, compared with earlier guidance of adding 25.

The US Department of Justice has launched an investigation into whether US airlines have worked together illegally to keep airfares high by limiting flights.