FAA Clears United Airlines to Receive New Aircraft Amid Ongoing Safety Review

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted United Airlines permission to proceed with the acquisition of new aircraft, despite an ongoing comprehensive review of the airline’s safety practices. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker confirmed on Thursday that the regulatory body is closely monitoring United’s operations but will allow the airline to take delivery of new planes to replace older ones and support its growth strategy.

The decision comes after some of United’s certification activities were temporarily suspended due to increased FAA oversight following a series of safety incidents earlier this year. “Most of those aircraft have been one-on-one replacements for missing aircraft,” Whitaker explained during a press briefing, noting that the approval also supports United’s expansion plans.

United Airlines has yet to respond to the FAA’s latest decision. However, the company previously communicated to its employees that the FAA had green-lighted the restart of the certification process after United demonstrated proactive safety measures. This update was shared in a May 16 email aimed at reassuring staff about the airline’s commitment to safety.

The ongoing FAA review, part of the Certificate Holder Evaluation Program, aims to ensure that United adheres to safety regulations, effectively identifies and mitigates risks, and manages safety at an organizational level. As part of this review, FAA personnel are required to be present during the final inspections of new aircraft that are replacing older models.

This regulatory scrutiny led United to delay the launch of two new international routes last month, indicating the operational impact of the FAA’s enhanced oversight. The FAA’s Certificate Management Office for United has voiced concerns over recent safety incidents, prompting a thorough evaluation of the airline’s safety management processes.

As the review continues, the FAA has made it clear that safety will dictate the timeline for its completion, underscoring the administration’s commitment to ensuring the airline meets stringent safety standards before fully resuming normal operations.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com