United Airlines CEO apologizes for private jet use amidst flight cancellations and stranded passengers

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed his apologies for opting to travel on a private plane while numerous United passengers were left stranded due to the airline's extensive flight cancellations in Newark, New Jersey. Kirby acknowledged that his decision to take a private jet was insensitive to the customers who were eagerly awaiting their flights home. He expressed deep remorse to both the customers and the tireless team members who had been diligently working, often in severe weather conditions, to provide assistance to the passengers.

He also admitted that his actions were a misstep and promised to demonstrate a greater appreciation for the dedication of the United Airlines team and the loyalty of its customers. His public apology aimed to acknowledge the impact of his decision and emphasize his commitment to rectifying the situation. The incident occurred on Wednesday when United Airlines canceled a staggering 750 flights, constituting a quarter of its daily schedule.

Notably, this figure did not include flights operated by United Express. Over the course of the week, the airlines has been compelled to cancel nearly 3,000 flights, predominantly affecting its Newark Liberty International Airport hub, which was frequently hit by thunderstorms. Kirby attributed the disruptions in Newark to a shortage of air traffic controllers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Despite United Airlines' efforts to address the situation, its operation faced ongoing challenges. However, FlightAware, a tracking service, reported a gradual improvement in the airline's performance as the week progressed. The percentage of canceled flights decreased from 26% on Wednesday to 18% on Thursday and 8% by Friday evening.