Federal regulators have announced an increased level of oversight for United Airlines, following a series of recent incidents.
These include a section of the outer fuselage detaching from one aircraft, an engine catching fire, and a plane losing a tire during takeoff.
Sasha Johnson, United's vice president of corporate safety, revealed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be scrutinizing "multiple areas of our operation" to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
She added that the FAA will be more present in United's operations in the coming weeks to review work processes, manuals, and facilities. Certification activities will be temporarily paused during this period.
While the FAA mentioned its routine monitoring of airlines' operations, it did not specify any additional steps being taken with United.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker indicated that each incident would be examined to identify any patterns.
United CEO Scott Kirby sought to reassure customers, stating that the airline is safe and that the recent issues were unrelated. Plans are underway for an extra day of pilot training starting in May, along with changes to the training curriculum for newly hired mechanics.
Additional adjustments are also being considered.
Recent incidents involving United include a section of outer aluminum skin falling off a Boeing 737, an engine fire during takeoff, and a tire detachment. Other issues included a hydraulic leak and a plane veering off a taxiway.
United Airlines is the nation's second-largest airline by revenue, following Delta Air Lines.