Phoenix Extreme Heat: What’s The Effect On Airlines

PHOENIX, AZ — American Airlines, which last year grounded dozens of flights in Phoenix due to extreme heat, says its planes will be able to take off as scorching heat continues in the area. Temperatures were expected to be about 116 degrees Tuesday.

That’s hot, but not as hot as the initial forecast. The forecast has been revised from 118 days.

Last year from June 19-21, more than 50 flights from the Valley were canceled due to the extreme heat.

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Under revised limits, regional carrier Bombardier aircraft can leave at 123.8 degrees. The former limits grounded the flights at 117.86 degrees or higher. Most jetliners are certified to withstand temperatures of 122 degrees.

American Airlines said in a news release that it worked with Bombardier and the Federal Aviation Administration to calculate new operating limits for the the CRJ700 and CRJ900 jets used by its partners, American Eagle, Mesa and Skywest.

Under the new limits, Airbus aircraft are grounded at 127 degrees, Boeing aircraft are grounded at 126 degrees and Bombardier CRJ regional aircraft are grounded at 123.8 degrees.

Though an excessive heat warning remains in effect through Thursday, temperatures in Phoenix are expected to moderate a few degrees as the week goes on, according to the National Weather Service. Wednesday’s high is expected to hit 116 degrees. Saturday’s high is expected to be about 104 degrees.

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)