The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching a safety review of Southwest after a series of close calls and other incidents, the Wall Street Journal reported. The airline has confirmed the FAA’s safety review and said it is working closely with the agency on its evaluation of recent events.
The FAA has increased oversight of Southwest Airlines to ensure it is complying with federal safety regulations, the agency said. The review comes after a string of low-altitude alerts were issued to Southwest aircraft on approach.
In a statement, Southwest said it had formed a dedicated team of subject-matter experts and leaders from the airline, its union partners, and the FAA to bolster its existing safety management system.
The FAA has been stepping up its oversight of airlines in the wake of safety incidents. In March, it announced increased monitoring of United following a series of close calls and other issues there.