COVID-19 HANGOVER
Some observers raise the possibility that the rebound in travel after COVID-19 has led to safety lapses.
COVID-19 completely upended and transformed airlines. Recovery varies from airline to airline, with many not yet reaching pre-pandemic capacity.
There are lingering effects of the disruption caused by the pandemic, such as a shortage of pilots and air traffic controllers, and defective aircraft that have been parked for a considerable period.
Experts also raised concerns like the loss of familiarity with safety processes as a result of operating environment changes, cost-cutting exercises that have led to losses in specialised personnel, and an erosion in safety culture.
The weakening focus on safety is becoming more apparent today, even in highly developed nations with a solid record like Japan.
Two pilots from Japan Airlines (JAL) were reportedly suspended for excessive drinking before a flight from Melbourne to Tokyo in December 2024, and then lying about it. It was not clear if JAL had sacked both pilots.
This is not the first time JAL’s pilots have breached safety rules. In 2018, a JAL pilot was arrested in England before a flight for being almost 10 times over the legal blood alcohol limit.
JAL is not alone in grappling to stay clean. Many other airlines, both budget and premium, are struggling to maintain a positive image.
Recently, two Malaysia Airlines (MAS) planes experienced engine issues. A flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur was forced back to the Philippine capital shortly after takeoff. Days later, another MAS jet originating from Jakarta made an emergency landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
It is unclear what caused the technical problems involving the two Boeing aircraft but investigations are underway. Last year, MAS dealt with 181 return to chock (RTC) and 18 aircraft turnback (ATB) incidents, according to Malaysia’s transport ministry.
RTC refers to the plane being instructed to return to its parking position due to issues before takeoff while ATB means the plane returning to its original airport after departing.
Source: CNA
