United Airlines’ CEO is not helping its cause by again apologizing in a backhanded way.
United CEO Oscar Munoz [[ MOON-yose ]] offered an apology and promised to have a thorough review of the incident and to "fix what's broken so this never happens again." Munoz also said he was "disturbed" by the video and apologized to the passenger who was removed.
Yesterday's statement from Munoz is in stark contrast from a letter he sent to employees that claimed the man who was removed was "disruptive and belligerent" and that employees "followed established procedures."
Munoz also said the airline takes "full responsibility" and that it will "work to make it right." The company is walking back its initial statement saying that the flight was overbooked. Instead, a spokesperson explained that the flight was full and passengers were being removed to make room for crew members who were needed in Louisville the next day.
Passengers to be removed are chosen using criteria including frequent-flier status, fare type, check-in time and connecting flight implications, among others, according to United. However, it is usually done before passengers board, unlike the incident with Dr. David Dao.
The doctor is now represented by a pair of Chicago lawyers who released a statement on behalf of their client. "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 and will not be making any comments to the media.”
In the stock market yesterday there was a sell-off of United stock of 1.1 billion dollars. Warren Buffett took a 90 million dollar hit.Source: USA Today