At its peak Southwest cancelled almost three-quarters of its flights over the holidays, according to FlightAware. What can be learned from the mishaps?
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskThe two incidents share many similarities. Both were weather-related. They became critical on the same day, December 23rd, and dragged on through much of the holidays. Their effects were traumatic. According to FlightAware, which tracks airline activity, at its peak Southwest cancelled almost three-quarters of its flights.
So what can be learned from the mishaps—and how can they be avoided in the future? In Southwest’s case, much of the attention has focused on its outdated technology, some of which its newis also human. When it stops working, it becomes all too clear how important it is that pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and ground staff are in the right place at the right time.
As Mr Beltranena explains, to stop a problem snowballing into a crisis, you need to pre-emptively scrap flights in order to quickly reroute aircraft as backup. Pre-emptive cancellation is a tough choice, though. Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group, a consultancy, likens it to deciding “which one of my children am I going to throw out of the aircraft”. Both Southwest and Volaris failed to do it swiftly enough to safeguard their wider networks.
The next problem was on the ground. Passengers pleaded for their suitcases. But ground staff are also human. In Denver some failed to show up for work. In Tijuana, Mr Beltranena says baggage handlers put in so much overtime that they were exhausted by the time they started a new shift. Moreover, as passengers tried to rebook flights, there was a chronic lack of communication.
may, as Mr Beltranena puts it, be an act of God. But there is no excuse not to prepare for the worst.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Shortage of maths teachers risks Rishi Sunak's plan for lessons until 18 becoming a 'gimmick'The Government has missed its targets to recruit new maths teachers every year over the past decade, with the figure dropping to as low as 64 per cent in recent years
Lire la suite »
Outstanding Filipino Bakery Brings Sweet, Sticky Bibingka Back to BatterseaOutstanding Filipino bakery and cafe Kapihan is bringing sweet, sticky bibingka back to Battersea, having been forced to close its first cafe in the area in 2021
Lire la suite »
Shropshire family backs call for bereavement lessons in school12 year old Immie lost her mum to cancer. Now she's talking to classmates in Bridgnorth about bereavement, and wants every school to cover the subject. Read more about the campaign:
Lire la suite »
She's a Happiness Professor. Her Lessons Are Helping Her Beat BurnoutNo one is immune to burnout—especially in times as stressful as these—but we all have the power to change our situations, says lauriesantos
Lire la suite »
Date confirmed for first rocket launch from UK soilA historic rocket launch that will blast satellites into space from the UK's southwest coast will take place on Monday.
Lire la suite »
Lorry overturns on M11 blocking entire carriagewayThose looking to catch flights from Stanstead Airport should leave extra time to avoid delays.
Lire la suite »