American Airlines' parent company is making a potentially risky move in taking on significant new debt at a time when revenues are being hammered, but the $2.9 billion in fresh financing and flight schedule changes announced Thursday should quiet concerns - for now - that it is in danger of a cash crunch and a bankruptcy filing.

Passengers will see big changes from the nation's second-largest airline, including increased flying in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami, but fewer flights in
Raleigh/Durham, N.C. and St. Louis, where American is giving up major ground to Southwest Airlines.

A representative from American Airlines says the company will be eliminating service to Hartford, Columbus and St. Louis. After the adjustments, RDU service on American and American Eagle will include 44 departures to eight markets.

The spokesperson said the company is still working to determine the exact impact to employees, but anticipate the impact to be minimal.