American Airlines Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, estimated it will contribute $310 million to its combined $7.3 billion pension plans in 2005, according to the carrier's annual report, filed today with the SEC. Airline officials expect 2006 minimum required contributions to exceed the company's 2005 expected contributions, "based on the current regulatory environment and market conditions," but the annual report did not provide specifics. The pension plans were underfunded by about $2.7 billion as of Dec. 31.
Officials at parent company AMR Corp. estimated pension expense of $380 million in 2005, according to AMR's annual report, also filed today.
