CHICAGO – United Airlines faces increased scrutiny from federal regulators following a series of recent safety incidents, including an engine fire, a plane losing a tire during takeoff, and a piece of the outer fuselage falling off one jet. The company announced on Friday that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be ramping up oversight of their operations to ensure safety compliance.
United’s vice president of corporate safety, Sasha Johnson, shared that the FAA will be examining various areas of their operation in the coming weeks. Johnson expressed the company’s openness to feedback from the FAA to further enhance safety measures.
During this period, the FAA will be pausing certification activities related to United Airlines, although specific details were not disclosed. The agency stated that they routinely monitor airlines’ operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and practices.
In response to these incidents, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker stated that the agency will be closely analyzing each event to determine if there are any underlying patterns contributing to the safety concerns. Whitaker also mentioned speaking with United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, regarding the recent issues.
Meanwhile, Kirby sought to reassure customers about the airline’s safety, emphasizing that the incidents were isolated and not interconnected. He outlined plans for additional training for pilots and newly hired mechanics to further bolster safety protocols.
Among the recent incidents faced by United Airlines were a chunk of outer aluminum skin falling off a Boeing 737, an engine fire during takeoff, and a tire detachment during departure. Other issues included a hydraulic leak and a plane veering off a taxiway and getting stuck in grass.
United Airlines, the second-largest airline by revenue in the nation after Delta Air Lines, continues to address these safety concerns under the increased scrutiny of federal regulators. The company remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew amidst these challenges.