The CEO of United Airlines says that a slew of recent incidents ranging from a panel that fell off a plane to another jet losing a wheel on takeoff will cause the airline to review its safety training for employees.
CEO Scott Kirby said the airline was already planning an extra day of training for pilots starting in May and changes in training curriculum for newly hired mechanics.
In a memo to customers on Monday, Kirby tried to reassure travelers that safety is the airline’s top priority.
“Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety,” he said. “While they are all unrelated, I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus.”
Kirby said the airline is reviewing each recent incident and will use what it learns to “inform” safety training and procedures. He did not give any details beyond measures that he said were already being planned, such as the extra day of training for pilots.
Some of the recent incidents might not normally attract much attention but have gained more news coverage and clicks on social media because of their sheer number affecting one airline in a short period of time. Also, there is heightened concern about air safety since a panel blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max at 16,000 feet above Oregon; investigators say bolts securing the panel were missing.
In the most recent incident, a chunk of fuselage skin fell off the belly of a United jet on Friday. The Boeing 737-800 was built in 1998.
Also last week, a United flight from Dallas to San Francisco suffered a hydraulic leak, and another flight bound for San Francisco returned to Australia two hours after takeoff because of an undescribed “maintenance issue.”
Earlier this month, a United flight returned to Houston after an engine caught fire, and a tire fell off a United Boeing 777 during takeoff in San Francisco.
United planes have even had mishaps while on the ground. On March 8, a jet landing in Houston rolled off an airport taxiway in Houston and got stuck in grass. Workers had to haul out moveable stairs to help passengers exit the plane.
There were no injuries in any of the incidents, some of which are under investigation by federal officials.
United Airlines CEO, Scott Kirby, recently addressed a series of incidents that have raised concerns about the airline’s safety protocols. In a statement to customers, Kirby reassured passengers that United is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all travelers.
One of the incidents that prompted this response was a recent emergency landing of a United flight due to an engine failure. The plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Denver after one of its engines experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff. While no injuries were reported, the incident raised questions about the airline’s maintenance procedures and overall safety record.
In his statement, Kirby acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and emphasized that United takes safety very seriously. He assured customers that the airline has a rigorous maintenance program in place and that all aircraft undergo regular inspections to ensure they are in proper working order.
Kirby also addressed concerns about recent reports of unruly passengers on United flights. In one incident, a passenger was removed from a flight after refusing to comply with the airline’s mask policy. Kirby stressed that the safety and security of all passengers and crew members is paramount and that United will not tolerate any behavior that puts others at risk.
In addition to addressing specific incidents, Kirby also took the opportunity to remind customers of the various safety measures that United has implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include enhanced cleaning procedures, mandatory mask-wearing, and social distancing protocols.
Despite the recent incidents, Kirby expressed confidence in United’s safety record and reiterated the airline’s commitment to providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for all passengers. He encouraged customers to continue flying with United and assured them that their safety is always the airline’s top priority.
In conclusion, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby’s recent statement serves as a reassurance to customers that the airline is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers. By addressing recent incidents and highlighting the safety measures in place, Kirby has demonstrated United’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of safety and security for all passengers.
