Airlines pledge to improve tracking systems following loss of MH370
The airline industry has confirmed its commitment to improving tracking systems following the loss of flight MH370.
Speaking at its annual general meeting in Doha this week, IATA director general and CEO said the case of MH370 points to an immediate need.
"A large commercial airliner going missing without a trace for so long is unprecedented in modern aviation. It must not happen again," he said.
"IATA, ICAO, and experts from around the world are working together to identify the best recommendations for improved global tracking. By September, we will deliver draft options to ICAO."
But he insisted that aviation safety in general was improving. In 2013 there were 29 million flights with Western-built jet aircraft and only 12 hull losses.
"Flying is incredibly safe. And we are determined to make it safer," said Tyler.
"Our ultimate goal is to predict the potential for accidents and so ensure that they don’t happen. This is not science fiction. Each new data contribution and every improvement in our analytical capabilities moves this closer to reality."
He also called on airlines, governments and airports to adopt a global approach to improving security.
"The industry is secure, but passengers still say that security remains their biggest travel hassle," he said.
"Inconsistencies across jurisdictions defy understanding. The focus on prohibited objects sees law-abiding passengers treated with criminal suspicion. There is waste and inefficiency. We must do a better job.
"There is plenty of opportunity for the second century mindset of global collaboration—both among governments and with industry—to make a positive contribution to our efforts to keep flying secure."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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