sa airlink media bulletin # 4 issued 8 december 2009 10h30
Airlink – Media Bulletin #4 issued 08 December 2009 10.30
AIRLINK APPOINTS INDEPENDENT EXPERT TO REVIEW SAFETY
Following updates earlier bulletins:
JOHANNESBURG – Airlink has appointed an independent expert to review the airline’s safety processes and procedures following recent accidents and incidents involving the airline.
“Safety and the well-being of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our top priority and it is essential that we always operate professionally and safely. While we are confident that Airlink complies with South African and international regulation and best practice, if there are gaps, then we want to know where they are and we will implement whatever measures are necessary to close them,” stated Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.
“For this reason, we have approached a recently retired senior SAA expert on airline flight safety, to conduct a thorough and independent review of Airlink procedures and processes. I have called for the net to be cast wide. The review will examine numerous aspects including our leadership structure, cockpit resource management techniques, compliance with regulatory and standard operating procedures and training,” explained Mr Foster.
“At the same time, Airlink is also cooperating with the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s (SACAA) ongoing audit of the airline’s operational, maintenance, training and recruiting procedures and processes.
The airline is also assisting the SACAA’s air accident investigation unit, which is leading the probe into yesterday’s aquaplaning incident at George Airport. The investigation will consider all of the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the weather, condition of the runway surface, the pilots’ proficiency and the operational and service record of the aircraft.
A recovery team is on site at George Airport and will begin removing the damaged 37-seat Embraer 135 jet that came to rest on the airport approach road, just beyond the perimeter fence.
All 30 passengers and 3 crew onboard were safely evacuated from the aircraft.
Although no-one was injured, other than the First Officer who suffered a sprained ankle, seven passengers and the crew were taken to the George Medi-Clinic for observation. They were all discharged by mid-afternoon yesterday.
“We are concerned for the well-being of our passengers and crew. We are making follow-up calls to all of the passengers from yesterday’s flight, to see how they are and to arrange any special assistance which they may require,” explained Mr Foster.
In the meantime, passengers’ carry-on bags that were in the overhead stowages, have all been retrieved and handed back to passengers.
Checked-in baggage, which is stowed in the aircraft’s hold, will be retrieved and handed over to their owners once the aircraft has been moved and the hold opened.
“On behalf of Airlink, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of the emergency rescue teams, medical personnel and trauma counselors at George for their swift and professional action in attending to the passengers and crew,” added Mr Foster.
Issued for Airlink
Media contact:
Karin Murray
Tel: 011 451 7300