Following a drop in stock, and deep public outrage at the forcible removal of a passenger on an overbooked plane, the CEO for United Airlines has finally offered a public apology.
United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz issued an apology on Tuesday amid outrage over passenger Dr. David Dao being dragged off an overbooked flight, reported NBC News.
Munoz expressed his sympathies and apologized, saying that a “thorough review” of the situation and their policies will take place, the results of which will be shared by Apr. 30, according to NBC News.
“The truly horrific event that occurred on this flight has elicited many responses from all of us: outrage, anger, disappointment. I share all of those sentiments, and one above all: my deepest apologies for what happened. Like you, I continue to be disturbed by what happened on this flight and I deeply apologize to the customer forcibly removed and to all the customers aboard. No one should ever be mistreated this way,” Munoz said in a statement. “I want you to know that we take full responsibility and we will work to make it right.”
The man who was removed from the plane, now identified as Dr. David Dao of Kentucky, had a statement released by his lawyers:
“The family of Dr. Dao wants the world to know that they are very appreciative of the outpouring of prayers, concern and support they have received. Currently, they are focused only on Dr. Dao’s medical care and treatment,” said Chicago attorney Stephen Golan.
From @CNBCnow Twitter
Golan also asked for privacy for Dr. Dao and his family.
Currently, Dao is being treated for his injuries at a Chicago hospital, is also represented by Chicago aviation attorney Thomas Demetrio of Corboy & Demetrio, reports NBC News.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media and prompted Munoz to apologize for having to “re-accommodate” customers after a two-hour delay. The confrontation happened on a United Express flight operated by Republic Airways, reported NBC News.
NBC News also mentioned that Rep. Bill Shuster, a Republican who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released a statement on Tuesday expressing his concern over the situation.
“I am troubled by the incident in Chicago in which a paying customer was forcefully removed from a flight without apparent just cause. This entire situation was poorly managed and avoidable,” Shuster said. “No one should ever be treated this way. Our committee is actively monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with the Department of Transportation.”
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