United Airlines boss addresses recent incidents, assures safety

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has moved to reassure passengers following a series of incidents involving the carrier’s aircraft, ranging from engine and structural issues to a wheel falling off during takeoff.

In a letter addressed to United customers, Kirby emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety and pledged to thoroughly investigate each incident.

“Safety is our highest priority and is at the center of everything we do,” Kirby stated in the letter.

“Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety.”

The incidents, which occurred on both Boeing and Airbus planes, were all unrelated but have raised concerns about safety standards within the airline industry.

Kirby acknowledged the seriousness of the incidents and emphasized that they have prompted United to intensify its focus on safety protocols.

Recent incidents

Among the recent incidents cited by Kirby were a Boeing 777 forced to return to Sydney midflight due to a hydraulic leak, an Airbus A320 making an emergency landing in Los Angeles due to reported hydraulics issues, and a Boeing 737 veering onto the grass after landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

Additionally, a Boeing 777-200 bound for Japan experienced a tire loss shortly after takeoff from San Francisco, and a flight from Houston to Fort Myers, Florida, had to make an emergency landing due to an engine issue, with flames seen spewing from one of the engines in a video captured by a passenger.

In February, a Boeing 757 operated by United diverted to address an issue with the wing slat, prompting concerns from passengers about the integrity of the aircraft.

United Airlines is currently conducting a comprehensive review of each incident to gain insights into what happened and to inform safety training and procedures across all employee groups.

Kirby announced plans to provide pilots with an extra day of in-person training starting in May and to implement a centralized training curriculum for new-hire maintenance technicians. Additionally, the airline is dedicating more resources to supplier network management.