American Airlines announced earlier this week that it plans to cut 921 cabin crew positions as part of a previously announced capacity reduction as the airline braves the current downturn in business and leisure travel.

The 921 jobs equate to about 6 percent of the total the total American Airlines cabin crew and include 449 positions that were eliminated voluntarily.  The job cuts will take place from October 1.

The airline had earlier predicted job cuts of around 1,200 in June this year.

The airline industry has been in downsizing mode for all of this year, hit with volatile fuel costs and weak demand due to the current recession.

Amercian Airlines said earlier in June that it would cut capacity by almost 8 percent this year.  Other carriers have followed suit, including Delta Air Lines, which said it plans to cut total capacity by 10 percent with reductions beginning in September.

The airline also warned on Monday that employees in airport service positions could also be cut due to declines and shifts in capacity during the winter travel season.