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

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines says federal regulators will be allowed to resume adding new routes and planes after a series of incidents, including an engine fire and a tire falling off a plane after takeoff, led them to grant the airline the authority to do so have withdrawn from such measures.

United said Thursday that the Federal Aviation Administration had told the airline it could resume those activities.

The FAA did not immediately comment on United’s report.

In a memo to employees, United called the development “some good news” but noted that FAA inspectors were still reviewing the airline’s work processes, manuals and facilities.

The FAA increased its oversight of Chicago-based United in March after a series of flight problems.

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.

The FAA said at the time that it was focusing oversight on airlines’ ability to identify and manage risks and comply with regulations.