Relief for airlines over new ash operating rules
Sunday, 18 May, 2010
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New measures to reduce airspace closures caused by volcanic ash are expected to be introduced from midday today (Tuesday).
The move comes from the Civil Aviation Authority following talks with airlines, regulators, and aircraft and engine manufacturers.
A new area of operations is being introduced that creates a ‘Time Limited Zone (TLZ)’ between the black ‘No Fly Zone (NFZ)’ and the red ‘Enhanced Procedures Zone (EPZ)’.
This means that areas of airspace that would have previously been closed can safely open, further minimising flight disruption.
Aircraft and engine manufacturers, based on new research and analysis, have agreed that it is safe to allow operations in the new zone for a limited time at higher ash densities than is currently permitted, the CAA said.
To operate in the new zone airlines need to present the CAA with a safety case that includes the agreement of their aircraft and engine manufacturers.
Flybe is the first to achieve this and will be able to use the new zone from midday.
CAA chief executive Andrew Haines said: “I’m pleased that the huge efforts we’re all making across aviation to keep flying safe whilst minimising the disruption from the volcano have resulted in further progress.
“Unprecedented situations require new measures and the challenge faced should not be underestimated.
“Firstly, because the standard default procedure for aircraft that encounter ash, to avoid it completely, doesn’t work in our congested airspace.
“Secondly, the world’s top scientists tell us that we must not simply assume the effects of this volcano will be the same as others elsewhere. Its proximity to the UK, the length of time it is continuously erupting and the weather patterns are all exceptional features.
"The answer can only come, therefore, from aircraft and engine manufacturers establishing what level of ash their products can safely tolerate.
“At an international aviation conference we held last Thursday, attended by all the leading airline operators this approach was welcomed and supported.
“The manufacturers are co-operating fully and urgently in this task and the new zone is an excellent example of how the industry should be working to move the issue forward and I commend Flybe for its work.
"It’s the CAA’s job to ensure the public is kept safe by ensuring safety decisions are based on scientific and engineering evidence; we will not listen to those who effectively say ‘let’s suck it and see."
The new regulations mean that during the last two days, when Flybe had to cancel 380 flights under the previous rules, it would have had to cancel only 21. This would mean that less than three per cent of its total programme would have been affected.
by Phil Davies
Flybe chief executive Jim French said: “The CAA called upon the industry to bring forward thoroughly researched proposals to safely improve the ability to fly in the vicinity of low level volcanic ash concentrations.
“Flybe’s overriding concern is always safety, and these new rules arise from a proven process of safety management within the company and the industry which helps make air travel the safest form of public transport.
“The application of these new rules in the last 48 hours would have reduced our levels of cancellation from 380 flights to 21, or put another way, only 3% of our programme would have been affected. This level of cancellation would be more akin to a weather event and therefore much more bearable for customers and the industry.
“We thank the CAA and Met Office for their support in this work and look forward to working with them further to get the UK safely back on the move. I hope with these measures that consumers can once again feel confident in booking air travel.”
EasyJet welcomed the announcement and said: “The CAA has been pivotal in facilitating this improvement whilst maintaining the focus on passenger safety.”
Phil Davies
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