04 August 2008

Fourth Qantas flight safety 'slip-up'

An embarrassing series of mechanical problems continues to plague Qantas, which grounded a Tokyo-bound jet at the last minute this morning so it can change a faulty part.

AdelaideNow has reported that passengers have been told to wait at Sydney Airport while the part is replaced and tested.

It is the fourth safety issue on a Qantas flight in the last 10 days.

This morning, it was reported that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the aviation watchdog, had formed a special team to investigate Qantas amid growing public concern the airline's safety standards may have slipped

However, the airline's engineering boss David Cox has said the CASA probe would allow Qantas to prove that some incidents are just part of running a major airline.

Outgoing airline chief Geoff Dixon has said there are no "systemic problems" with the carrier.

A Report by The Mole

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Your Comments (2)

One Staff Cut Too Many?

The 'backroom' personnel perform essential, but low visibility, tasks yet airlines are only to eager to slash at mechanics and technicians. Could it be that Qantas has laid off too many essential people? As for the Qantas "enviable safety record", this refers only to non-fatal accidents in their jet aircraft era. There are carriers who have never had an fatality during their whole corporate history.

By Jon Hewson, Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Qantas under the microscope

Although I agree it is important to be informed about airline issues, I believe Qantas is getting undue attention because of its enviable safety record. Some of the safety issues experienced with other international airlines would make your hair curl. So, I commend the Mole for his 'no fear or favour' reporting, but let's be aware that it's only lately that so much attention is directed Qantas's way. My confidence is not diminished, in fact this obsession with safety reinforces my faith. [The Mole comments - Thanks Rod - my faith is not diminished either, but they have had a really tough run of bad luck....or is it? I think we report about all airlines fairly, but this is a big issue!].

By Roderick Eime, Sunday, August 3, 2008