United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby recently took steps to reassure customers about the safety of the carrier following a series of flight incidents in recent weeks. One of these incidents involved a tire falling from a Japan-bound Boeing 777 shortly after takeoff, causing damage to cars in a San Francisco airport parking lot. Another incident revealed a missing panel from an older Boeing 737 after it landed in Oregon last Friday.
Focusing on Safety
Kirby emphasized that safety is the top priority for United Airlines and is central to all their operations. Despite the recent incidents, Kirby assured customers that the airline is taking these issues seriously. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incidents, and Kirby mentioned that they are reviewing the details to improve safety training and procedures for all employee groups.
The string of recent mishaps at United Airlines occurred at a time when the aviation industry is under increased scrutiny. These incidents included a door plug panel blowing off an Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737 Max 9 and a United 737 Max plane rolling off a Houston runway. In another case, a United Boeing 737 flying to Florida had to return to Houston after the engine ingested plastic bubble wrap, causing flames to come out of the engine.
In response to these incidents, United’s CEO announced plans to implement changes to enhance safety measures. These changes will include an extra day of in-person training for all pilots starting in May, as well as a centralized training curriculum for new-hire maintenance technicians. These proactive measures aim to ensure that all employees are well-prepared to handle any safety-related challenges that may arise.
Kirby reassured customers that every time a United plane departs from the gate, the entire team is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all passengers. By acknowledging the recent incidents and taking concrete steps to improve safety protocols, United Airlines aims to rebuild trust and maintain the highest standards of safety in all aspects of its operations.