LOS ANGELES, US - AN American Airlines passenger jet made an emergency landing and was evacuated at Los Angeles International Aiport on Tuesday after a pilot reported smoke in the aircraft, officials said.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the Boeing 757 had been bound for Honolulu before it returned to Los Angeles approximately one hour after take-off from the airport.

'The flight returned to LAX after take-off after the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit,' Mr Gregor told AFP.

Television images showed passengers evacuating the plane by sliding down inflatable emergency chutes as fire engines surrounded the aircraft on the tarmac. No smoke or flames could be seen.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey told CNN all 188 people on board had evacuated safely and there were no injuries.

Mr Humphrey said the emergency landing was ordered after the pilot reported the smell of smoke in the cockpit and cabin. The source of the smell was unknown and no fire was found, he added.

'We can have only the greatest praise for the flight crew, the flight attendants who worked to get everyone off the plane safely,' Mr Humphrey said. -- AFP