United Flew Passenger Plane 23 Times After It Was Deemed Not 'Airworthy,' FAA Says - United Airlines Holdings (NASDAQ:UAL), Boeing (NYSE:BA)

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a $435,000 fine against United Continental Holdings Inc UAL for flying a passenger jet 23 times on domestic and international routes even though the plane wasn’t airworthy.

The FAA alleged that United mechanics on June 9, 2014, replaced a fuel pump pressure switch on a Boeing Co BA 787 in response to a problem reported by a flight crew two days previously. The FAA failed to perform a mandatory inspection of the work before returning the plane to service.

“Maintaining the highest levels of safety depends on operators closely following all applicable rules and regulations,” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a statement. “Failing to do so can create unsafe conditions.”

Two of the 23 commercial flights took place after the FAA told United that it had failed to perform the inspection, which finally took place on June 28, 2014.

The FAA says United has asked to meet with agency officials to discuss the incidents. A spokesman for the Chicago-based airline told the Associated Press that it’s working with the FAA on the matter.

In an email exchange between Benzinga and United, United issued the following statement:

"At United, the safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. We took action after identifying the issue and are working closely with the FAA in their review.

United has had a rough year, public relations-wise. In April, a doctor was brutally dragged off a flight waiting to take off from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to make room for United employees.