Houston, Texas – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Saturday that they will be increasing their oversight of United Airlines following a series of safety incidents. The agency is looking to ensure that the carrier is complying with safety regulations and managing risks effectively.
United Airlines’ corporate safety vice president, Sasha Johnson, informed employees in a memo that they can expect to see more FAA presence at the airline’s facilities in the coming weeks. Johnson emphasized the importance of safety in the airline’s operations and stated that recent events have prompted them to reevaluate their safety protocols.
The FAA plans to evaluate United Airlines under the Certificate Holder Evaluation Process and review their work processes, manuals, and facilities. This increased oversight comes after a number of safety incidents involving United Airlines aircraft in recent weeks.
One incident involved an external panel missing from a United plane during landing in Oregon, prompting an FAA investigation. Another incident saw a Boeing 737 Max in the United fleet rolling onto grass after landing in Houston. Additionally, a United-operated Boeing 777-200 bound for Japan had to divert to Los Angeles after losing a tire post-takeoff from San Francisco.
In response to these incidents, Johnson stated that United has been engaging with the FAA more closely and is open to feedback on areas needing improvement to enhance safety compliance. The FAA will be pausing certain certification activities at United, with specifics varying based on the work group.
Overall, United Airlines is working to address safety concerns and strengthen their safety culture with the support and oversight of the FAA. The airline remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of their passengers and crew members.
The FAA’s increased oversight underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and safety in the aviation industry. As United Airlines works to address safety issues, passengers can expect to see improvements in safety protocols and procedures to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety.