United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines said Thursday that federal regulators are letting it resume planning for growth after they imposed restrictions on the airline following a series of flight mishaps earlier this year, including an engine fire and a tire falling off a plane.

United said the Federal Aviation Administration “has allowed us to begin the process of restarting our certification activities, including new aircraft and routes.”

The FAA indicated, however, that it has not made any final decisions from its review of the airline, which began in March.

“The FAA has not approved any expansion of United Airlines’ routes or fleets,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement. The FAA said its review of the airline “is ongoing, and safety will determine the timeline for completing it.”

The FAA is insisting on being present when United personnel make final inspections of new planes that replace older ones.