United Airlines CEO Emphasizes Importance of Pilot Mental Health
Amid recent concerns surrounding pilots, and with a significant rise in air travel, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has highlighted the company's commitment to ensuring pilots' mental well-being.
Kirby explained that United pilots undergo training every nine months, which includes simulator sessions designed to prepare them for potential scenarios that, ideally, will never occur. These training sessions, combined with the airline's policies, aim to ensure that pilots are mentally and physically prepared to handle the stresses associated with flying.
"We have implemented various policies to support our pilots in dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse, personal illnesses, fatigue, and other challenges that may arise in their lives. They can take time off and not come to work without facing penalties or repercussions. We have robust protections in place to prevent any negative consequences," said Kirby.
Last month, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot faced allegations of attempting to shut down a plane's engines mid-flight while hitching a ride in the cockpit from Washington state to San Francisco. Additionally, many pilots have expressed concerns about seeking mental health treatment due to fears of job loss.
U.S. Senate Panel Investigating Rise in Airline Fees
Earlier this month, a U.S. Senate panel announced it would be investigating the rise in seat and baggage fees for five major airlines, including United.
United Airlines CEO, Scott Kirby, responded to the investigation by stating that the airline has been working hard to reduce fees and has already eliminated change fees. He also mentioned that while baggage fees in the airline industry have increased by nearly $2 billion in the last four years, United has earned more from baggage fees due to an increase in volume, not an increase in fees.
"There are some other airlines that have added a lot of fees, some of which I think are egregious," Kirby added.
