According to CEO Scott Kirby, United Airlines is updating its safety training and procedures for employees based on the insights gained from evaluating the company’s recent safety issues.
The Chicago-based carrier has had a rough time lately.
Just in the last two weeks, the airline has had multiple errors that have undermined customer confidence, such as a Boeing 737 Max missing an exterior panel upon landing in Oregon, a United flight losing a rear tire during takeoff in San Francisco, and a Boeing 777-200 destined for Japan losing a tire after takeoff from San Francisco.
Kirby assured the airline they would take the lessons to heart and keep operating with safety as their priority. Beginning in May, all pilots will get an additional day of in-person training, and the airline will implement a standardized training program for maintenance workers. The airline is urging its staff to report any safety concerns and is increasing its investment in supplier network monitoring.
The series of strange occurrences is probably coincidental, but it nevertheless has the potential to damage the airline’s reputation among customers. Although experts have assured that the recent spate of accidents is unlikely to be intentional, intentional, it’s a significant deterrent to potential customers with choices. Air travel is frightening to many, even on airlines that have exemplary safety records.
United had planned several improvements before the carrier’s run of problems. These included implementing a standardized training program for newly recruited maintenance technicians and adding a day of in-person training for all pilots starting in May. According to Kirby, the airline looks into every recent occurrence and will incorporate the lessons learned into its safety protocols and training.
Even in the air, United flights have experienced problems; for example, pilots in Newark, New Jersey, reported that the rudder pedals used to navigate the runway momentarily failed after touchdown. The plane became stuck in the grass after a landing this month at Houston’s airport, so crews had to bring out moveable steps to help passengers get off the plane.
A ticket may not be cheap enough for consumers to roll the dice on a company plagued by mishaps.
