FAA to step up scrutiny of United Airlines after recent incidents

US Markets
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 1:28 am EDT

Key Points

  • United Airlines facing increased scrutiny from U.S. safety regulators after recent safety incidents, prompting a closer review of work processes, manuals, and facilities by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
  • Series of emergencies including missing aircraft panel, Boeing 737 MAX veering off runway in Houston, and Boeing 777-200 losing a tire mid-flight prompts evaluation of safety protocols and potential procedural changes.
  • United’s corporate safety vice president acknowledges the need for reevaluation and welcomes engagement with the FAA, while FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasizes the importance of discerning genuine safety concerns from routine incidents to ensure overall aviation safety.

In response to a string of recent safety incidents, United Airlines announced increased scrutiny from U.S. safety regulators, particularly the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Following emergencies involving missing aircraft panels, a Boeing 737 MAX veering off the runway in Houston, and a Boeing 777-200 losing a tire mid-flight, United’s corporate safety vice president, Sasha Johnson, acknowledged the need for evaluation and potential procedural changes. The FAA confirmed plans to closely examine United’s operations, with Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasizing the importance of assessing safety standards and mitigating risks. While the FAA routinely monitors airlines, recent incidents have prompted a deeper review, reflecting broader concerns about aviation safety. Additionally, scrutiny on Boeing has intensified in light of recent mid-air emergencies, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure safety standards across the aviation industry. Whitaker emphasized the need to discern genuine safety concerns from routine incidents, underscoring the resilience and redundancy inherent in aviation safety protocols.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/22/faa-to-step-up-scrutiny-of-united-airlines-after-recent-incidents.html