The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not approved United Airlines’ ability to launch new routes and planes, stating that the carrier is still under a safety review. However, United announced in an employee memo that it had been cleared to begin the process of resuming certification activities. The FAA emphasized that safety would determine the timeline for completing the Certificate Holder Evaluation Program for United.
United Airlines stated that the FAA had given it permission to begin the process of restarting certification activities, including adding new routes and planes. The carrier mentioned in a memo to employees that after discussing the safety steps taken by United, the FAA’s Certificate Management Office allowed them to proceed. The FAA is now requiring its personnel to be present during United’s inspections of newly delivered aircraft meant to replace older ones.
Following a series of safety- and maintenance-related incidents in March, the FAA increased its oversight of United Airlines, leading to the postponement of new routes between Newark and Faro, Portugal, and Tokyo and Cebu, Philippines. While United acknowledged that their work with the FAA was ongoing, they expressed openness to the agency’s feedback on ways to enhance safety within the airline. United’s CEO sent a letter to passengers in March, emphasizing the company’s commitment to prioritizing safety, including additional training for pilots and maintenance technicians.
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Overall, the FAA’s ongoing safety review of United Airlines has not impacted the carrier’s ability to resume certification activities, which include adding new routes and planes. United Airlines received clearance from the FAA to begin this process, although the agency continues to monitor the airline’s operations closely. United remains committed to working with the FAA to ensure the safety of its operations, with additional training initiatives in place for pilots and maintenance technicians to maintain the highest standards of safety and compliance in the industry.
