DALLAS -- American Airlines Saturday says it's gotten federal clearance to return all but three of its 300 MD-80 jets to service.

American Airlines spokesman Charley Wilson says it won't be until Sunday morning before all the MD-80s can be positioned throughout the American system to fly a dull day's schedule. But he says the Fort Worth-based airline plans to return to normal operations Saturday afternoon.

The nation's largest airline canceled nearly 3,300 flights. The cancellations started Tuesday as Fort Worth-based American grounded 300 MD-80 jets to wrap wiring bundles to meet federal safety standards and prevent fires.

The airline's mechanics and Federal Aviation Administration inspectors have been clearing the plans to return to service.