The cargo division of American Airlines said today it is continuing normal operations after American's parent, AMR Corp., filed today for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code.

American Airlines Cargo, known as "AA Cargo," is the third largest cargo carrier among passenger airlines. Fort Worth, Texas-based American lost $884 million in the first nine months of 2011. It was the only major U.S. airline with international operations that had not filed for bankruptcy protection since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Southwest Airlines, which operates only in the domestic U.S. market, has also avoided bankruptcy.

Gary Schultheis, senior vice president airfreight, Americas for DHL Global Forwarding, said "it is business as usual" in his company's dealings with American since the filing. "They are not the first U.S. carrier" to file for bankruptcy protection, Schultheis said in an e-mail.

DHL Global Forwarding, the freight forwarding arm of DHL, is the world's largest airfreight forwarder. It is also American's largest cargo customer.

AMR said it will begin to revamp its management, labor relations, and operations and will continue normal flight operations at American and its American Eagle commuter unit.

AMR also said CEO Gerard Arpey has decided to retire. He will be succeeded by the company's president, Thomas Horton.