Southwest won't pay FAA fine by deadline

updated 11:28 a.m. ET Aug. 27, 2008

DALLAS - Southwest Airlines said Tuesday it will not pay a record $10.2 million fine by Friday, the deadline set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA levied the fine against Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. in March because it said the airline continued to fly dozens of Boeing 737s that hadn't been inspected for cracks in their fuselages.

"Our hope continues to be that we will resolve the matter amicably with the FAA, however long that takes," Southwest spokesman Beth Harbin said in a story Tuesday on The Dallas Morning News' Web site. "We would hope that the FAA will continue to discuss the matter with us in good faith as we have been doing all along."

FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown told The Associated Press that the FAA is continuing talks with Southwest. She declined to comment further.

The FAA set the deadline in an Aug. 12 letter, warning that it would refer Southwest's case to the U.S. attorney's office if the fine is not paid.

Don't miss these Travel stories from msnbc.com   7 strategies for avoiding checked baggage fees Great things to do at the airport Say cheese! Parisians urged to smile The travel secrets of war reporters Images from around the world | Top-rated pic

MORE FROM NEWS

News Section Front

NWA flight attendants challenge uniform sizes Passengers flee 747 after smoke fills cabin Airlines’ on-time marks improved in May Canadian’s song about United Airlines a hit Ex-airline worker 'mortified' over gun on plane Airfare from Hilo going up Jet returns to Calif. airport with engine problem Rails and tales: Free programs for Amtrak riders Boston airport tests radar to avoid bird strikes United fined for not revealing flight information News Section Front   Add News headlines to your news reader: