Edition 28
The first week of 2024 started on a sombre note with the accident at Tokyo Haneda. The first write off of the A350, as JL516 collided with a Japanese coast guard aircraft and burst into flames.
There was not a single human casualty, though two pets could not be rescued. To escape a densely configured widebody which is already on fire is something which is tested but no matter how rigorous the testing and how realistic the setup, there remains a difference between real and realistic and that was on full display at the evacuation of JL516. The evacuation is a constant reminder of how important the safety culture is. From paying attention to the flight attendants for the safety demo to memorising the nearest exit and instructions to complying with them in case of emergency.
This is much in contrast to what we have seen in the other parts of the world where passengers have picked up their bags and evacuated. The well known Japanese discipline probably stood good in this case.
One must have observed multiple times, especially on short sectors that the cabin crew safety check run suffers due to lack of time, often leading to passengers sitting without their seat backs being upright. The onus of safety is on everyone and not the crew. In India, where the seat belts are unfastened when the main landing gear touches the runway and the nose gear is still in the air, this is a valuable lesson in safety – something that should be practised.
As more flyers take to the skies and India moves ahead in terms of total passengers, it is important to ensure a safe environment for flying. Safety in the air would mean safe “tea” at home!
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