Changes to the fuel surcharge occur when the American's fuel cost index equals, exceeds or falls below specific thresholds for two consecutive weeks. American's current fuel index reached 215.81 for the week ending July 13, 2007, passing the trigger point of 211.00 for the second week.
American's fuel index is based upon an average of the five jet fuel spot markets. It was established in September 2002 to help American and its customers monitor and respond to changes in jet fuel costs.
The American Airlines Cargo Fuel Index is based on the weekly average spot price of kerosene-type jet fuel as reported by the US Department of Energy in the Weekly Petroleum Status Report. The index is calculated by averaging the five current spot prices in the New York Harbor, US Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Rotterdam and Singapore markets.