United Airlines announced on Friday that federal regulators are stepping up their oversight of the airline in response to a series of recent safety incidents. These incidents include a piece of the outer fuselage falling off a jet, an engine fire, and a plane losing a tire during takeoff.
The airline's vice president of corporate safety stated that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be examining various areas of United's operation to ensure safety compliance. The FAA will be reviewing work processes, manuals, and facilities in the coming weeks.
The agency will pause certification activities as part of its increased oversight. The FAA emphasized that it routinely monitors all aspects of an airline's operation to ensure compliance with regulations and effective safety management.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker mentioned that the agency will investigate the recent incidents to determine if there is a pattern. He also had a conversation with United's CEO regarding the events.
United Airlines has reassured customers that the recent issues are unrelated to each other. The airline plans to enhance pilot training and make changes to the training curriculum for newly hired mechanics. Additional safety measures are also being considered.
Recent issues with United Airlines include a piece of outer aluminum skin falling off a Boeing 737, an engine fire during takeoff, and a tire falling off a jet. Other problems such as a hydraulic leak and a plane veering off a taxiway have also been reported.
United Airlines, the nation's second-largest airline by revenue, is taking steps to address the safety concerns and work closely with the FAA to ensure compliance and enhance safety measures.
