The CEO of United Airlines is apologizing for jumping on a private plane this week while thousands of his airline's customers were stranded because their flights got canceled.
Kirby blamed disruptions in Newark last weekend on a shortage of Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers. He said in a note to employees “that the FAA frankly failed us” by reducing the rate at which planes could arrive and depart the airport, where United is the dominant carrier.
As United continued to struggle throughout this week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department includes the FAA, said on Twitter that airlines had recovered from the storms “with the exception of United.” He drove home the point by including a bar graph that compared United’s cancellation rate with the rest of the industry.
United vowed to fix its operation in time for the July 4 holiday weekend, which promises to be a hectic one at the nation’s airports. More than 2.7 million people were screened Thursday atcheckpoints, and Friday was expected to bring similar crowds — possibly bigger. Unions representing the airline's pilots and flight attendants have joined in the criticism, accusing United management of poor planning, a lack of crew schedulers, and operating too many flights.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
United Airlines CEO Apologizes for Taking Private Jet During Flight DisruptionsUnited Airlines CEO Scott Kirby apologized for taking a private jet this week as his airline grappled with widespread weather disruptions
Read more »
United Airlines CEO apologizes for private-jet flight amid cancellationsUnited Airlines Holdings Inc. Chief Executive Scott Kirby on Friday apologized for taking a flight on a private jet earlier in the week, while thousands of...
Read more »
United Airlines CEO apologizes for 'insensitive' decision to fly private as airline was canceling flightsIn a statement, Scott Kirby apologized to customers who have been stranded due to canceled flights and airline employees 'who have been working around-the-clock.'
Read more »
United Airlines Passengers Hit With Canceled Flights While CEO Takes Private Plane“Taking a private jet was the wrong decision because it was insensitive to our customers who were waiting to get home,” CEO Scott Kirby said.
Read more »
United Airlines CEO aims to avoid flight disruptions ahead of US Fourth of July holiday travelUnited Airlines plans to make changes in flight operations to avoid weather-related disruptions ahead of the Fourth of July holiday travel, Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby said on Saturday.
Read more »
United Airlines cancellations and delays continue to multiply at Denver International AirportTravelers flying in and out of the Denver International Airport Friday again faced travel disruptions, with 58 delays and 65 cancellations by 6:12 a.m., according to the FlightAware tracking servic…
Read more »