Gulf Air Statement On The Publication Of The AIB`s Final Report Into GF072
Gulf Air (GF) has now received the final report of the Accident Investigation Board’s (AIB) inquiry into the accident involving GF072 on August 23rd, 2000. The airline, its staff, agents and other representatives remain deeply affected by the accident, and its thoughts and sympathies remain with the deceased, and their families and friends, at this sad time.
The airline is reviewing the findings, recommendations and the conclusions of the AIB final report.
James Hogan, President & Chief Executive, Gulf Air, said today:
“Passenger security and the safe operation of our aircraft remain Gulf Air’s two main priorities. That was the situation at the time of the accident and is the situation now. These are priorities that have not changed in more than 50 years of dedicated service. For Gulf Air, passenger safety is our principle motivating force, and flight crew undergo high level training to internationally-recognised standards.”
The AIB report cites a number of areas relating to the accident, and acknowledges that Gulf Air has taken a number of post-accident and safety initiatives to address individual and systemic factors, as well as enhanced flight crew training. GF is revisiting all these issues regularly as part of the ongoing process to refine its safety programme.
Individual factors:
Since the publication of the factual report, Gulf Air has reinforced those areas that the airline felt required more focus, through regular fleet instructions and crew training. Further, Gulf Air electronically analyses flight data to ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The airline has qualified all its crew to date by making them undergo an intensive Crew Resource Management (CRM) programme.
CRM courses, which address human factors including cultural aspects, improving human interaction and using all available resources, are now conducted on an annual basis. This training is designed to boost non-technical skills and to develop greater awareness of human factors in company operations.
Gulf Air has also incorporated within its flight crew training programmes modules that re-emphasize the risks posed by spatial disorientation.
Systemic Factors:
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During the accident investigation, Gulf Air took the initiative to review its A320 flight training programme.
To ensure that Gulf Air reflected international aviation industry best practice, Lufthansa Consulting Group was appointed in 1999 to conduct a thorough appraisal of the airline’s organization and management structure. The Group profiled Gulf Air’s operational management, which led to a reorganization of the Operations division.
“We ensure that a high level of pilot training is achieved in accordance with the regulatory requirements and reflects the very latest in available technology and international aviation best practices. Gulf Air continues to lead the region in the training of its pilots and there will be no let-up in our commitment to ensure that this remains the case,” Mr Hogan added.
For further information please refer to:
www.bahrainairport.com/GF072investigationreport.htm
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