FAA Maintains Heightened Oversight on United Airlines, Contradicting Expansion Claims

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has refuted recent claims by United Airlines regarding the expansion of its fleet and route operations. Despite United Airlines informing its employees about the FAA allowing the resumption of certification activities for new aircraft and routes, the FAA clarified that no such approvals have been granted. The regulatory body emphasized that its Certificate Holder Evaluation Program for United is still ongoing and that safety considerations will dictate the timeline for its completion.

An FAA spokesperson highlighted the strict oversight measures in place, stating, “The FAA has not approved any expansion of United Airlines’ routes or fleets. Additionally, the agency is requiring FAA personnel to be present when United conducts final inspections of newly delivered aircraft that are replacing older models.”

This contradiction comes amidst increased FAA oversight following several safety incidents involving United Airlines, including a runway excursion at Houston Intercontinental and a B777-200ER that lost a tire during ascent from San Francisco. Fortunately, these incidents did not result in any casualties or injuries. The FAA’s intensified scrutiny aims to ensure United’s full compliance with all safety regulations.

Moreover, the Office of the Inspector General at the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has initiated an audit to evaluate the FAA’s oversight effectiveness, particularly in light of these incidents. This review has led to a temporary halt on certain United Airlines projects, impacting the airline’s operational plans. For instance, United recently announced delays in launching two new international routes, New York Newark-Faro and Tokyo Narita-Cebu, directly attributing these delays to the ongoing FAA review.

During a recent quarterly investors call, United’s CEO Scott Kirby expressed support for the FAA’s rigorous review, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance the airline’s safety culture. “Through the FAA review, I’m confident that we will uncover opportunities to make our airline even safer,” Kirby stated.

The situation underscores the tension between United Airlines’ growth ambitions and the regulatory mandates to prioritize safety and compliance. As the FAA continues its comprehensive evaluation, the airline’s expansion plans remain under strict scrutiny, aligning with the FAA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of air travel.