Three former United Airlines executives have been exposed in a bribery scandal at Newark Airport, where they accepted over $1.2 million in bribes from a maintenance and construction company in exchange for securing a restroom renovation project. They received renovations to their own homes, electronics, and jewelry as part of the scheme. The employees now face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 each. United Airlines has stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigation.
This scandal is not the first involving United Airlines and Newark Airport. The airline lost its CEO Jeff Smisek in a corruption scandal with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where a special flight was provided to the agency’s chairman in exchange for favorable treatment. The Port Authority, originally created to reduce corruption, has become a symbol of inefficiency and misconduct, as seen in the infamous ‘Fort Lee lane closure scandal’.
The FBI’s investigation into corruption at Newark Airport led to the replacement of Smisek as CEO, and ultimately the appointment of the current CEO, Oscar Munoz. Munoz’s tenure has been marked by improvements in employee morale and product enhancements at United Airlines.
Despite the scandal, the exposure of corruption at Newark Airport has ultimately led to positive changes at United Airlines, benefiting both employees and customers. The airline’s former CEO’s involvement in corruption has brought about a new leadership team that has worked towards improving the airline’s operations and reputation.
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