For Americans feeling apprehensive about flying, particularly following alarming news about airline safety incidents, United Airlines has rolled out a unique reassurance campaign featuring “Captain Morgan.” This is not a reference to the popular rum but instead a message from Captain Miles Morgan, the director of United’s flight training center.

In light of numerous flight delays attributed to recent system outages at Newark Liberty Airport, United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, sent an email to travelers and MileagePlus members living near the airport. The correspondence aimed to calm the nerves of passengers and directed them to a video in which Captain Morgan highlighted the rigorous training United’s pilots undergo and the sophisticated systems on board that ensure visibility of other aircraft.

Kirby emphasized, “The truth is that all the flights in and out of EWR are absolutely safe. When there are FAA issues, such as technology outages or staffing shortages, the FAA requires all airlines to fly fewer aircraft to maintain the highest levels of safety.” He reassured that neither the FAA nor United would ever compromise on safety standards.

Despite the intention behind the message, social media reacted with humor, poking fun at Captain Morgan’s name. One X user quipped about the irony, questioning if passengers should feel secure under the care of “Captain Morgan.” Another joked about a possible collaboration with First Officer Jonathan Daniels.

This outreach initiative followed a 45-minute ground stop due to a temporary failure of a back-up air traffic control system, compounded by previous telecommunications issues and ongoing staffing shortages at the Newark air traffic control facility. The email and video were sent as United sought to reassure travelers amid these challenges.