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A pilot for American Airlines has tested positive for the Coronavirus, making him or her the first person employed by the carrier to be diagnosed with the disease.

Bloomberg reports that, according to the Allied Pilots Association, American's pilots union, the pilot is undergoing treatment. Neither the union or the airline would not offer any details about when the pilot became ill, whether he or she had flown recently.

The APA learned about the infection on Wednesday, according to the report. The airline said in a statement that it is in "close contact" with the CDC.

The pilot is based in Dallas-Fort Worth, and may be the first person in the airline industry to be officially diagnosed with the disease. About 15,000 pilots fly for American.

Like many airlines, American has adjusted its schedule and cut capacity on many routes to avoid flying nearly-empty airplanes. The airline has reduced international capacity for the summer season by 34% versus the previous selling schedule, including a 50% reduction in April trans-Atlantic capacity. It will continue to operate flights to and from Europe for up to seven days to ensure customers and employees can return home.

Service to South America has been reduced, including a suspension of flights to Argentina.

Suspended flights are expected to resume as early as May 7.

(Source: American Airlines and as cited. Image from file)

FMI: Source report
www.aa.com