For the year 2024, I learnt and relearnt from our editorial team meetings for the forthcoming book “The Malaysia Airlines We Built: The journey of an award-winning international airline. A collection of behind-the-scenes stories” chaired by CPA S. Suppiah, former MAS Executive Vice President Group Finance, that the number one priority is always safety. The safety of passenger comes First.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the major problem in aircraft is good practice guides to maintenance and repair standards, and these issues are costly and post serious safety risks if not properly managed. The major threats are outdated system and technological infrastructure failure; retaining its experienced managers, pilots and engineers; climate change; volatility of oil proces; and reputation damage. So, effective communication is essential in all aviation-related jobs, since many lives are at stake. (www.iata.org)
In my experience with MAS Academy, the highest authority to handle a crisis was the MAS Emergency Operations Committee (EOC), comprising 13 members, who were direct reports to the Managing Director. The EOC planned and decided all strategic matters for the handling & response to a crisis, whilst the execution was done by the Emergency Response Working Group (ERWG), comprising all department heads & representatives of the EOC. Apart from ERWG, there was also a well-trained Crisis Communication Team.
The MAS Book co-chair, Regional Aviation Consultant, Engineer N. Sitham & former MAS Deputy Director of Engineering revealed, “The state of preparedness was always for recovery of aircraft post the incident. Statistically the incidents more often during Take off phase or Landing phase. Invariably it was on the runway and making the runway unusable and affecting all operations at the airport.”
Sitham added, “The aircraft incidents were mainly due to harsh weather, technical issues or at worst pilot error. The responsibility fell on the Engineerin Division on its state of preparedness with Recovery equipment that was needed and the experienced manpower to recover the aircraft & human safety with no further secondary damage in the quickest possible time.” (sitham.nadarajah@yahoo.com)
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