The US Federal Aviation Administration did not perform several recommended safety reviews at major carriers in recent years, the Wall Street Journal said on Tuesday, citing a recent evaluation by the agency.

The reviews, from those of flight crew training to aircraft de-icing, are meant to be completed at least once every five years, the report said.

Acting FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell, responding to a query, said in a letter that in addition to Southwest Airlines, the FAA hasn't performed dozens of five-year reviews at seven other major airlines, including American Airlines.

The Journal said it reviewed a copy of the letter.

American Airlines cancelled more than 3,000 flights last month over wiring systems problems on its MD-80 planes, leaving over 300,000 passengers stranded.