Sources Say FAA May Take Temporary Measures Against United After String of Flight Incidents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering potential temporary actions against United Airlines in response to multiple safety incidents involving its aircraft over the past month. These incidents included the dislodging of a wheel from a Boeing 777 and a panel falling off an aging Boeing 737. The FAA may bar United from initiating new routes, pause its ability to introduce new aircraft to commercial flights, or temporarily prevent United’s check airmen from certifying new pilots.

These potential measures are still under discussion, and it is not yet clear whether they will be implemented. The FAA has increased its oversight of United Airlines to ensure safety regulations are being complied with. Future projects may be delayed based on findings from this oversight and the FAA will begin an evaluation of United Airlines through the Certificate Holder Evaluation Process.

In a recent interview, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker indicated that he had discussed these incidents with United’s CEO, Scott Kirby. Both expressed concern and are looking into identifying patterns and potential risks. Whitaker confirmed that there will be an increased FAA presence in United’s operation as they review the airline’s working processes, manuals, and facilities.

United’s leadership has acknowledged the potential for temporary action. The airline’s Vice President of Corporate Safety, Sasha Johnson, has written to employees to confirm that there will be increased FAA presence in their operations and that the FAA will pause various certification activities. Meanwhile, CEO Kirby has assured customers that safety remains the company’s highest priority, and that they are using insights from each incident to inform their safety training and procedures.

These potential measures could affect United’s aggressive growth plans, which include the introduction of hundreds of new planes and the expansion of its international route map. Pausing route expansion and the introduction of new aircraft could significantly impact United’s bottom line. Despite ongoing delivery delays from Boeing, the company has recently announced plans to launch services to several new international locations. The exact nature and timing of the FAA’s “pause” are not clear at this time.