United Airlines CEO Assures Safety Measures Amid Distrust in Aviation Due To Boeing Incidents

By Thea Felicity

Mar 18, 2024 10:48 AM EDT

US-aviation-travel-UnitedAirlines-Boeing
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby speaks during a joint press event with Boeing at the Boeing manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, on December 13, 2022. - Betting on robust demand for international travel, United Airlines on Tuesday unveiled an order of 100 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners with options for an additional 100 jets.
(Photo : Photo by LOGAN CYRUS/AFP via Getty Images)

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has taken steps to address recent flight problems, aiming to reassure customers about the airline's commitment to safety, in a statement to CNBC.

In a series of incidents over the past few weeks, United Airlines experienced various issues, including a tire detachment from a Boeing 777 shortly after takeoff from San Francisco and the discovery of a missing panel on a Boeing 737 upon landing in Oregon. 

These incidents have raised concerns among passengers and industry stakeholders about the airline's safety protocols and maintenance practices, affecting trust in the aviation industry.

In response to these events, Kirby assured customers that safety is the highest priority for United Airlines. He also acknowledged that while the recent incidents were unrelated, the airline would thoroughly review each situation to identify any areas for improvement. 

He assured customers that the findings from these investigations would be incorporated into improved safety training and procedures across all employee groups.

READ NEXT: United Airlines Temporarily Halts Pilot Hiring Amid Boeing Delivery Delays

United Airlines and Boeing Incidents

Interestingly, the multiple issues that United Airlines went through coincided with its internal conflicts with Boeing. VCPost previously reported that the airline had to cease pilot hiring and cut jobs due to delivery delays of Boeing airplanes. 

The earlier part of CNBC's report also showed that most issues came from Boeing planes. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incidents involving United Airlines flights to determine the root causes and any potential safety implications. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also launched inquiries into specific incidents, such as reports of a plane sliding off the runway at Bush Airport.

Looking ahead, Kirby outlined proactive measures that United Airlines plans to implement to enhance safety standards. These measures include scheduling an extra day of in-person training for all pilots starting in May and developing a centralized training curriculum for new-hire maintenance technicians. 

These initiatives aim to lead and reinforce safety protocols in the aviation industry while also ensuring that all personnel are well-prepared to handle any situation during flight operations.

READ MORE: FAA Issues 90-Day Ultimatum to Boeing: Quality Control Overhaul Demanded After 737 Max Door Mishap

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