United apologizes for 9/11 flight numbers

WASHINGTON -- United Airlines apologized yesterday for briefly restarting use of flight numbers of two planes that crashed after being hijacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.

Spokesman Rahsaan Johnson blamed the reuse of flight numbers 93 and 175 on a "technical error" and said steps have been taken to have the numbers removed from United computers.

United Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Pa., killing all 44 aboard. Flight 175 hit the south tower of the World Trade Center.

Johnson said the flight numbers were put back into use on Monday night. -- AP