United Airlines says it has reinstated some privileges that were suspended after problematic flights

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines said Thursday that federal regulators are allowing it to resume growth planning after doing so restrictions imposed on the airline after a series of aviation accidents earlier this year, including an engine fire and a tire falling off the plane.

United said the Federal Aviation Administration has “allowed us to begin resuming our certification activities, including new aircraft and routes.”

However, the FAA said it had not yet made any final decisions as part of its review of the airline, which began in March.

“The FAA has not approved any expansion of United Airlines’ routes or fleet,” an agency spokesman said in a statement. The FAA said its review of the airline “is ongoing and safety will determine the timeline for completion.”

The FAA insists that United personnel attend the final inspection of the new planes that replace older ones.

In a memo to employees, United said the ability to resume growth planning was “good news” but noted that FAA inspectors were still reviewing the airline’s work processes, manuals and facilities.

After a series of flight problems, the FAA increased its oversight of Chicago-based United.

In one case, a piece of aluminum skin fell from a plane flying from San Francisco to Oregon. Another plane lost a tire after takeoff from San Francisco and another suffered an engine fire in Houston.

Pilots reported that the rudder pedals used to control the runway failed after landing in Newark, New Jersey, and another plane taxied off a runway in Houston.

The incidents prompted United CEO Scott Kirby to reassure customers that the airline was safe.

Kirby said the events were unrelated but that they “caught our attention and sharpened our focus.” He said United will review each incident to determine whether changes to safety training and procedures are needed.