EU Study Warns of Flight Safety Risks Due to Industry Cost Pressures
A recent study by the University of Ghent, commissioned by the EU, has raised concerns about flight safety in Europe. The report warns that cost pressures in the aviation industry could lead to increased exhaustion among flight crew, potentially compromising safety, especially when unexpected issues arise.
The study highlights that over 40% of aviation industry employees feel pressured, with their employment contracts influencing safety decisions. Up to 45% of employees admit to hiding fatigue or health problems, and over 10% confess to not reporting safety-relevant incidents. This culture of underreporting could have severe consequences, as stressed and overworked personnel may not respond adequately to unexpected events or technical failures.
Strong regulatory authorities in Europe and Switzerland have traditionally ensured aviation safety. However, competition in the industry can lead to cost-cutting measures that may compromise safety. Many European airlines, including Lufthansa's Swiss subsidiary, are under pressure to cut costs, with the Swiss airline expected to save 160 million francs, potentially impacting staff and processes.
While cost-cutting should not compromise safety, savings can be achieved through eliminating synergies and redundancies. The aviation industry must address the pressure on its employees and ensure that flight crew are not overworked. Regulatory authorities must remain vigilant to maintain the high safety standards expected in European skies.
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