Jetstar Asia changes cockpit protocol after Germanwings crash
SINGAPORE — All Jetstar Asia flights will require two authorised operating crew in the cockpit at all times starting from midnight today (March 31), a statement from the company said.
SINGAPORE — All Jetstar Asia flights will require two authorised operating crew in the cockpit at all times starting from midnight today (March 31), a statement from the company said.
This comes after several airlines worldwide have revised their cockpit protocols after the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 (4U9525) last Tuesday (March 24).
French and German prosecutors believe that the crash was intentionally caused by the co-pilot, 27-year-old Andreas Lubitz. The cockpit voice recorder revealed that Lubitz had locked the cockpit’s door when the pilot had gone for a toilet break. Investigators said they could hear the pilot repeatedly trying to break down the door after he was locked out.
Jetstar Asia’s new cockpit protocol will require an operating crew member to enter the flight deck if a pilot needs to leave the cockpit for any reason. The operating crew member must remain on the flight deck until the pilot returns.
“The safety and security of our customers and crew are our number one priority,” the company statement said. “On behalf of Jetstar Asia, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those on board flight 4U9525.”