Airbus mid-air 999 fears
The air transport industry is “unprepared” for the higher number of medical emergencies that may strike aboard the mammoth new Airbus passenger jet, a report claims.
The potential danger has been highlighted by New Scientist magazine, which says in its latest edition: “When the giant Airbus A380 made its maiden flight on April 27, the airlines’ publicity focused on plans to install bars, beauty salons, gymnasiums and even double beds on board. But there was little mention of one less glamorous fact. The A380’s ability to carry twice the number of passengers as many of today’s planes will almost double the chances that on any given flight someone will need urgent medical attention.”
If an emergency occurs, it is left to the pilot to decide whether the aircraft should divert so that the sick passenger can receive hospital treatment – but there are only a limited number of airports capable of handling the huge new aircraft.
“The plane needs two loading jetties, one for the main deck and one for the upper deck. Only 20 airports will have terminal buildings that can cope with the A380 by 2006, although this will rise to 60 by 2010,” the magazine says.
Airbus has told New Scientist it does not think there will be a problem. The magazine quotes a spokesman as saying: “It’s really not an issue. You park on a remote stand and roll a set of steps up to the aircraft.”
Phil Davies
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