“Taking a private jet was the wrong decision because it was insensitive to our customers who were waiting to get home," Kirby said in a statement issued by the airline. “I sincerely apologize to our customers and our team members who have been working around-the-clock for several days — often through severe weather — to take care of our customers.”
Kirby concluded by promising "to better demonstrate my respect for the dedication of our team members and the loyalty of our customers.”
Kirby caught the private flight from
United has canceled nearly 3,000 flights this week, with the largest number at its
Kirby blamed disruptions in
Canceled flights left United planes and crews out of position, hobbling the airline when bad weather hit on Sunday, Kirby said.
As United continued to struggle throughout this week, Transportation Secretary
United's operation has improved since midweek. The percentage of canceled flights fell from 26% on Wednesday to 18% Thursday and 8% through Friday evening, according to tracking service
United vowed to fix its operation in time for the
United passengers have taken to social media and talked to reporters about long airport lines and sleeping in airports after flights were canceled.
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.
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