Des investissements additionnels nécessaires pour prévenir les incidents sur les pistes
Les incidents de quasi-collision sur les pistes augmentent. Pour y remédier, Jennifer Homendy, la présidente du Conseil national de la sécurité des transports, a déclaré que les États-Unis doivent investir dans une technologie de sécurité aérienne accrue pour les aéroports. Selon elle, l’installation de davantage de systèmes de sécurité contribuerait à prévenir les incidents de quasi-collision sur les pistes. Actuellement, seulement 43 aéroports aux États-Unis sont dotés de tels systèmes, ceux-ci avertissant les contrôleurs aériens lorsque les avions ou les véhicules s’approchent trop près les uns des autres sur les pistes.
Cette année, il y a eu au moins huit incidents de quasi-collision aux États-Unis, lesquels ont doublé le chiffre annuel moyen des cinq années précédentes. Le rate d’incursions sur les pistes américaines a augmenté en 2023, atteignant 33 pour un million de décollages et d’atterrissages en mars. Depuis, le taux a diminué pour se situer à 19 en avril, selon Reuters.
Placements additionnels pour prévenir les incidents sur les pistes
Pour remédier à cette tendance inquiétante, la Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) et le Conseil national de la sécurité des transports ont mis en place des plans. La FAA a annoncé cette semaine qu’elle allait investir plus de 100 millions de dollars pour empêcher l’incursion sur les pistes. Certains aéroports qui recevront des fonds sont Miami International (MIA), Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS), San Diego (SAN) et Tucson International (TUS). En mars, la FAA a organisé un sommet sur la sécurité et a émis une alerte en matière de sécurité qui a servi de signal d’alarme dans tout le pays. Cette alerte a rappelé aux acteurs de l’aviation que des changements étaient nécessaires pour garantir la sécurité des voyageurs.
Michael McCormick, professeur à l’université Embry Riddle Aeronautical et ancien employé de l’Organisation de la circulation aérienne de la FAA, a déclaré que des années de financement insuffisant pour la sécurité aérienne avaient, sous-alimenté la capacité du gouvernement à déployer la technologie. « Oui, le financement est un problème », a-t-il souligné.
Poursuivre les efforts pour éviter les accidents aériens
Les compagnies aériennes américaines de passagers n’ont pas connu d’accident mortel depuis 2013, lorsque le vol 214 d’Asiana Airlines s’est écrasé lors de l’approche finale à l’aéroport international de San Francisco. Cet accident a entraîné la mort de trois personnes à bord, et 187 autres ont été blessées. Les compagnies aériennes de passagers américaines n’ont pas connu d’accident majeur depuis 2009, bien que des accidents mortels se soient produits, tels que le vol 1380 de Southwest Airlines en 2018. Dans cet accident, une défaillance contenue du moteur a entraîné une dépressurisation explosive de l’avion, qui a en partie éjecté un passager de l’avion, causant des blessures mortelles.
Le secrétaire aux Transports, Pete Buttigieg, a promis une vigilance accrue dans tout le pays, car le taux d’incidents est revenu à des niveaux normaux.
| Source | Date |
|---|---|
| Reuters | — |
| Bloomberg | — |
Go First To Go Through Regulator’s Audit Before Flight Resumption
Go First, India’s low-cost carrier, has announced that it will be the first airline to undergo an audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before resuming their flights. The audit is to ensure that the airline is following all the necessary safety protocols and guidelines set by the DGCA.
This announcement comes after the Indian government’s decision to slowly ease travel restrictions and resume domestic air travel in a phased manner from May 25. Go First is expected to resume its operations from June 1, 2020, subject to regulatory approvals.
Chengdu Airlines To Launch Flights To Xinjiang With The COMAC ARJ21
Chengdu Airlines has announced that it will launch flights to Xinjiang with the COMAC ARJ21, China’s first regional jet. This decision comes after the airline received its first ARJ21 on May 18. Their first flight is expected to operate from Chengdu to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, on May 28.
The introduction of the ARJ21 to Chengdu Airlines’ fleet is part of China’s efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. The ARJ21 has been designed and developed by the state-owned company Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
Stranded WestJet Passengers Threaten Legal Action
WestJet, a Canadian low-cost airline, is facing threats of legal action from passengers who have been stranded due to flight cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The passengers are unhappy with the airline’s decision to offer travel vouchers instead of refunds for cancelled flights.
Many of the affected passengers have formed a group called « Air Passenger Rights WestJet » and are pushing for changes in the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations. The regulations currently allow airlines to offer vouchers instead of refunds for flights cancelled due to circumstances outside their control, like the pandemic.
| Passenger Rights Demanded: | WestJet’s Response: |
|---|---|
| Full Refunds for cancelled flights | Offering travel vouchers instead |
| Changes to Air Passenger Protection Regulations | No response yet |
Air India Cuts Frequent Flyer Mileage Targets by Half
Air India, the Indian national carrier, has announced that it will be reducing the frequent flyer mileage targets for its members by half. This decision has been made after considering the current COVID-19 situation and the fall in demand for air travel.
The reduced mileage targets will apply to all Air India frequent flyer members and will be valid until September 30, 2020. Members will now be able to earn miles at a faster rate and use them to get benefits like upgrades, free flights, and lounge access.
This move by Air India is expected to boost loyalty among its frequent flyers and increase bookings for the airline, which has seen a significant dip due to the pandemic.
A Look At United Airlines’ Operations At Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of United Airlines’ busiest hubs, with the airline operating more than 400 daily departures from the airport. The airport is also home to United’s maintenance base, where the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet is maintained and serviced.
United uses Concourse B and C at DEN, which have recently undergone a $170 million renovation project. The project has added more gates, improved the passenger experience, and reduced delays. United also has a United Club lounge in Concourse B, which offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, food and beverage options, and shower facilities.
Denver International Airport is a key hub for United Airlines, offering connections to destinations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The airport is also a gateway to popular ski resorts and national parks in the Rocky Mountains region.
Cathay Pacific Fires Flight Attendants Over Alleged Discrimination
Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline, has fired five flight attendants for allegedly discriminating against one of its passengers. The passenger, who is a social activist, claimed that the flight attendants had bullied him and refused to serve him food and drinks during a flight.
Cathay Pacific conducted an investigation into the incident and found that the flight attendants had breached their duties and the airline’s policies. The airline has stated that it has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind and will take strict action against employees who violate its policies.
The incident has caused outrage on social media platforms, with many calling for stricter action against the airline. Cathay Pacific has apologized to the passenger and offered him compensation for the incident.
