On June 5, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois, Scott Kirby, the president of United Airlines, was captured speaking at an event. This moment was documented by photographer Kamil Krzaczynski and shared by Reuters.
Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, recently addressed concerns regarding the airline’s safety following a series of flight incidents. He aimed to reassure customers through an email, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to safety.
In a notable incident earlier this month, a tire detached from a United Airlines Boeing 777 bound for Japan shortly after takeoff. The tire fell and caused damage to several cars in a parking lot at the San Francisco airport. Another incident involved a United Airlines Boeing 737, which was discovered to be missing a panel after it landed in Oregon.
Kirby stressed in his communication that safety remains the airline’s top priority and is fundamental to its operations. He acknowledged the recent incidents, which are currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and assured that they were unrelated. Kirby highlighted that the airline is thoroughly reviewing these incidents to enhance safety training and procedures for all employees.
These mishaps have occurred amid increased scrutiny of the aviation industry. This scrutiny was intensified by an incident on January 5, where a door plug panel detached from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9.
Additionally, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating an incident where a plane reportedly veered off the runway at Bush Airport early one Friday morning, as reported by NBC Houston KPRC2+.
On March 8, a United 737 Max aircraft exited the runway in Houston. Another incident on March 4 involved a United Boeing 737, flying to Florida from Houston, which had to return to the airport after ingesting plastic bubble wrap into its engine, causing visible flames, as shown in social media videos.
In response to these events, Kirby announced plans for enhancing safety measures, including an additional day of in-person training for all pilots starting in May and a centralized training curriculum for new maintenance technicians.
Kirby concluded by reassuring customers of the airline’s dedication to safety, stating that the United team is fully committed to ensuring the safety of every flight departing from the gate.