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Date:10/04/2023
Snake on-board!
A pilot was in for a surprise this week when he discovered a snake under one of the aeroplane’s seats. The reptile was found on board an Air India flight from Chennai to Dehradun, India.
The incident occurred shortly before takeoff when the pilot spotted the snake wriggling through the plane’s aisle and resting under one of the passenger seats. After being alerted of the stowaway, the ground crew quickly removed the snake and released it into a nearby forest.
The exact snake species has not been confirmed, although initial reports suggest it may have been a rat snake. In any case, it is unlikely that passengers aboard the flight were at risk of harm; rat snakes are nonvenomous and generally considered harmless to humans.
The incident serves as a reminder of how important it is for airlines to adhere to rigorous safety protocols. While rare, such instances demonstrate that even minor issues can lead to significant disruption if overlooked or ignored before flights take off. To ensure safe travel for all passengers, airlines must remain vigilant in their inspections and ensure that thorough procedures are always in place.
Business Jets Fatal Accidents – Is it a worry?
Two fatal accidents involving business jets occurred during the first quarter of 2023, raising concerns about aviation safety. The incidents involved two privately-owned aircraft, which resulted in fatalities.
The first accident occurred in early February, involving a Gulfstream G550 jet that crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all four passengers and two crew members. The aircraft was attempting to depart from an airport in Taiwan bound for the United States when it encountered technical problems, leading to the crash.
The second accident occurred in late March, involving a Bombardier Global 7500 jet that crashed while landing in Russia, killing all three passengers and one crew member. The aircraft encountered severe weather conditions while attempting to land at the airport, leading to the tragic incident.
The incidents underscore the importance of prioritizing aviation safety and adhering to strict standards and protocols. While the cause of both accidents is still under investigation, it is clear that underlying issues contributed to the tragedies.
Business aviation has a strong track record of safety, with a low rate of accidents and incidents compared to other forms of transportation. However, industry stakeholders must remain vigilant and continue to invest in technologies and procedures that enhance safety.
Overall, the two fatal accidents involving business jets in Q1 2023 are a sobering reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for constant vigilance and care in the industry. While we can never eliminate all risks, stakeholders must work together to minimize them to prevent future tragedies.
No perks… but growing!
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have grown significantly over the past five years, with a total revenue increase of over $248 billion. This is according to a new report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which found that LCCs accounted for 34.6% of global passenger traffic in 2020.
The report also found that LCCs have increased their market share in Europe and North America. In 2020, they represented 35.3% and 32.8% of total passengers travelling within those markets, respectively.
IATA’s report noted that the growth in passenger demand had been accompanied by increases in airline profitability, particularly when compared to traditional carriers. For example, in 2020, average net profit margins of 18% were recorded among some LCCs, while conventional carriers only managed to attain an average net margin of 6%.
The trend appears set to continue into 2021 amid the ongoing pandemic; IATA projects that the revenue for low-cost carriers will grow by 13%, compared to 9% for incumbent airlines over this year. However, this growth will depend on continued recovery from the crisis and containment efforts around major outbreaks in individual countries or regions.
Overall, it is clear that low-cost carriers are continuing to experience strong growth across regions and present a profitable option for airlines and travellers alike. As such, these carriers should be well positioned to capitalize on any further rebound following the pandemic crisis moving forward.