Current:Home > reviewsUnited Airlines CEO Speaks Out Amid Multiple Safety Incidents -Capital Dream Guides
United Airlines CEO Speaks Out Amid Multiple Safety Incidents
View
Date:2025-04-13 10:45:42
United Airlines isn't winging it when it comes to safety.
After a series of terrifying incidents—on March 15, a panel was discovered missing from another Boeing plane—the airlines' CEO Scott Kirby spoke out to reassure passengers everything will be OK.
"Safety is our highest priority and is at the center of everything we do," Kirby wrote in a March 18 statement. "Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety. While they are all unrelated, I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus."
This month, four incidents befell United flights, all of which used Boeing aircrafts. In Houston, a Boeing 737-900ER poured flames from an engine after takeoff and a Boeing 737 Max slid off the runway. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, a Boeing 777 lost a wheel during takeoff comma and while leaving Sydney, a Boeing 777 trailed hydraulic fluid.
"Our team is reviewing the details of each case to understand what happened," Kirby continued in his statement, "and using those insights to inform our safety training and procedures across all employee groups."
Plus, Kirby ensured customers that United is doing more than just investigating these cases. The company also plans to host more in-person trainings for pilots and create a centralized training for new-hire maintenance technicians. As Kirby said, "We're also dedicating more resources to supplier network management."
"We empower our team to speak up and raise their hand if they see something wrong," he shared. "You can be confident that every time a United plane pulls away from the gate, everyone on our team is working together to keep you safe on your trip."
While noting that each flight crew is working together to ensure safety during flights, he added, "In the past few years, we've done a lot at United to build a new culture, improve our business and earn your trust. I'm confident that we'll learn the right lessons from these recent incidents and continue to run an operation that puts safety first and makes our employees and customers proud."
United isn't the only airline to have trouble with Boeing jets this year. A March 11 LATAM airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland suddenly plunged during its flight, causing some passengers to be thrown into the plane's ceiling.
Boeing suggested a switch on the back of the pilots' seats may have accidentally been switched on during the LATAM flight, causing "a motorized feature to push the pilot into the controls and push down the plane's nose" according to The Wall Street Journal.
Meanwhile, in January, an Alaska Airlines flight using a Boeing 737 Max 9 lost a piece of its wall mid-flight. A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board found Boeing left the bolts off the jet needed to keep the door plug in place.
Boeing has since implemented a number of initiatives outlined in a message to employees on March 12 by CEO Stan Deal.
Deal cited two independent assessments—a production audit by the Federal Aviation Authority as well as an expert panel review—and praised Boeing employees for their work in improving and reviewing protocols.
"We have more to do and you play an important role," he said while addressing the staff. "Thank you for strengthening our commitment to compliance and ensuring safety and quality in all that we do."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (49)
Related
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Liverpool’s new era under Slot begins with a win at Ipswich and a scoring record for Salah
- A banner year for data breaches: Cybersecurity expert shows how to protect your privacy
- Kate Spade Outlet Sparkles with Up to 73% off (Plus an Extra 15%) – $57 Bags, $33 Wristlets & More
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Paramore recreates iconic Freddie Mercury moment at Eras Tour in Wembley
- Her name was on a signature petition to be a Cornel West elector. Her question: What’s an elector?
- Connor Stalions, staffer in Michigan's alleged sign stealing, finds new job
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Indiana Jones’ iconic felt fedora fetches $630,000 at auction
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Why you should be worried about massive National Public Data breach and what to do.
- Supermarket store brands are more popular than ever. Do they taste better?
- When does 'Emily in Paris' Season 4 Part 2 come out? Release date, how to watch new episodes
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- NASCAR at Michigan 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for FireKeepers Casino 400
- Caitlin Clark scores 29 to help Fever fend off furious Mercury rally in 98-89 win
- Unpacking the Legal Fallout From Matthew Perry's Final Days and Shocking Death
Recommendation
Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
Mississippi poultry plant settles with OSHA after teen’s 2023 death
Tingling in your fingers isn't uncommon – but here's when you should see a doctor
Velasquez pleads no contest to attempted murder in shooting of man charged with molesting relative
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Watch: Patrick Mahomes makes behind-the-back pass after Travis Kelce messes up route
Benefit Cosmetics Just Dropped Its 2024 Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar, Filled with Bestselling Favorites
Lawsuit: Kansas school employee locked teen with Down syndrome in closet, storage cage