Regulators have fined Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines up to $200,000 for its treatment of disabled travelers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said Monday it reviewed and inspected the Atlanta offices and airport operations of Atlantic Southeast in June 2010. It found disability-related complaints from 2009 and 2010 and violations of requirements to assist disabled passengers in wheelchairs.
The airline, owned by Utah-based regional operator SkyWest, said Delta is primarily responsible for direct customer care, though Atlantic Southeast has used the DOT’s findings to make improvements. Certain improvements allow it to offset up to $75,000 of the penalty. Delta was fined earlier this year for its own treatment of disabled passengers and said it has made improvements to its support for those customers.
Separately, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed a $132,000 fine against Atlantic Southeast for allegedly operating 22 passenger flights in May 2010 with a regional jet that was not in compliance. The FAA alleges the airline performed maintenance on the plane, but did not do a maintenance release or appropriate logbook entry to return it to service.
The airline said it works closely with the FAA to ensure its fleet’s safety and compliance and worked with the FAA to address the logbook issue in 2010.
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