Washington, D.C. – The Federal Aviation Administration is considering taking temporary actions against United Airlines following a series of safety incidents involving their aircraft. These incidents include a wheel coming off a Boeing 777 and a panel flying off an aging Boeing 737. The FAA is exploring potential measures such as prohibiting United from launching new routes that have not yet begun selling tickets and pausing the introduction of new planes into revenue service.
Another possibility being discussed is temporarily delaying United’s ability to have check airmen certify new captains. This heightened scrutiny from the FAA may impact United’s operations and growth plans. The airline has not been officially notified of any final decisions by the FAA, indicating that ongoing discussions are still taking place within the agency.
In response to recent safety events, the FAA is increasing oversight of United Airlines to ensure compliance with safety regulations and effective risk management. Certification activities may continue, but future projects could be delayed based on the FAA’s findings. FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker confirmed that conversations regarding these incidents have taken place with United CEO Scott Kirby.
United Airlines Vice President of Corporate Safety, Sasha Johnson, hinted at upcoming temporary actions in a letter to employees. Safety remains a top priority for the airline, as they review each incident to improve safety training and procedures across all employee groups. United Airlines faces potential challenges in its growth plans, which include expanding its international routes and introducing hundreds of new planes into their fleet.
The potential temporary actions by the FAA could impact United’s bottom line, particularly as the airline grapples with ongoing delivery delays from Boeing. Despite these challenges, United remains committed to prioritizing safety and addressing concerns raised by recent safety incidents. The airline’s future growth plans may be reassessed as they navigate increased oversight from regulatory authorities.