Oklahoma aerospace industry awaits AA bankruptcy ripple effects

TULSA - One day after American Airlines filed bankruptcy, questions remain for workers' futures.

The bankruptcy filing could affect almost 7,000 workers and their families in Tulsa, but that number may be even higher.

Tulsa's maintenance facility is the largest of its kind in the world, and moving it could impact numerous businesses.

More than 140,000 Oklahoma jobs are related to the aerospace industry.

After American's announcement, industry leaders are waiting to see any ripple effects that could impact the industry as a whole, but just how other aerospace companies will be affected remains uncertain.

Still, some business leaders remain cautiously optimistic.

They say bankruptcy provides an opportunity for negotiations.

Mary Smith, executive director of the Oklahoma Aerospace Alliance, says the current industry climate is good in Tulsa and the region is a good place to do business.

Smith talks to the major players in the industry regularly and she says there are positive aspects to filing for bankruptcy.

"These are smart business people," said Smith.  "They're making decisions that not only affect them personally but affect their companies.  I don't know of a single leader in the aerospace industry in the state of Oklahoma that isn't looking out for their own workforce as well."

Once the bankruptcy battle begins in court, employees should receive more answers.

In the meantime, the union plans to file its own claim in bankruptcy court to protect its members.