United Airlines has received clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to add new aircraft and routes, months after the regulator increased its scrutiny of the airline due to safety incidents. In a note to employees, United announced that the FAA Certificate Management Office has allowed them to restart their certification activities. The airline will continue to coordinate closely with the FAA as it moves forward.
This news comes as a relief for United, as they were previously unable to launch new routes, including flights to Faro, Portugal, before the busy summer travel season. The FAA’s clearance comes at a crucial time, as United and other carriers are expecting a record peak season this year.
In recent months, United has faced several safety incidents. In February, a Japan-bound Boeing 777 lost a tire shortly after takeoff from San Francisco. Then in March, a missing panel was discovered on a Boeing 737 after it landed in Oregon. While these incidents involved older planes, they have raised concerns about safety in the aviation industry.
The heightened scrutiny of the industry stems from a near catastrophe earlier this year when a door plug blew out of a nearly new Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines. This incident has created a fresh crisis for Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft.
Despite receiving clearance from the FAA, United acknowledges that there is still work to be done. They expect an ongoing FAA presence in their operation as the regulator continues to review their work processes, manuals, and facilities.
In conclusion, United Airlines’ recent clearance from the FAA to add new aircraft and routes is welcome news for the carrier. However, it is clear that the aviation industry as a whole is facing increased scrutiny due to recent safety incidents. United will need to continue working closely with the FAA to ensure that their operations meet the necessary safety standards.
