Flight Light: British Airways Flight 268
1. What are the considerations that my affect the pilots’ decision whether to continue the flight to London’s Heathrow Airport?
For any pilots in the aviation industry, safety of the passengers and its crewmembers is probably the biggest consideration involving any emergency. Pilots are trained to fly and make correct decisions in case of any emergency event. In the case of British Airway 268, the pilots’ concern is whether the engines suffer any big damage after the small explosion that would affect the other 3 engines or perhaps even other instruments not visible to naked eyes. Although Boeing 747s are certified to fly with 3 engines under British regulation, not knowing the extend of the damage could lead to disaster.
Other consideration as mentioned in the case, the amount of reimbursement to the passengers and the loss incurred in dumping the full load of fuel maybe of some concern to them. However we believe it is probably the least of their consideration. After all, they are just pilots, decisions regarding company’s expense should not be the biggest concern in an emergency situation.
2. From British Airways’ standpoint, what are the stakeholders involved in this decision-making? Why?
Cabin crewmembers: Continuation of the flight may increase the safety concerns of the cabin crewmembers and reduce overall employee morale in the event of an accident.
Passengers: The airline will need to be concerned with the safety of the passengers. In addition, if the passengers are delayed within a 5 hr. time frame, British Airways will pay up to a total of $275,000 in compensation fees.
Airline Company: Since British Airways has a strong reputation for safety they may lose that image in the event of continuing the flight instead of landing at the nearest airport. Moreover, flying through 5,000 miles through a low attitude on only three engines may cause safety concerns for the company’s brand image.
Insurance Company: In the event of an accident,
For any pilots in the aviation industry, safety of the passengers and its crewmembers is probably the biggest consideration involving any emergency. Pilots are trained to fly and make correct decisions in case of any emergency event. In the case of British Airway 268, the pilots’ concern is whether the engines suffer any big damage after the small explosion that would affect the other 3 engines or perhaps even other instruments not visible to naked eyes. Although Boeing 747s are certified to fly with 3 engines under British regulation, not knowing the extend of the damage could lead to disaster.
Other consideration as mentioned in the case, the amount of reimbursement to the passengers and the loss incurred in dumping the full load of fuel maybe of some concern to them. However we believe it is probably the least of their consideration. After all, they are just pilots, decisions regarding company’s expense should not be the biggest concern in an emergency situation.
2. From British Airways’ standpoint, what are the stakeholders involved in this decision-making? Why?
Cabin crewmembers: Continuation of the flight may increase the safety concerns of the cabin crewmembers and reduce overall employee morale in the event of an accident.
Passengers: The airline will need to be concerned with the safety of the passengers. In addition, if the passengers are delayed within a 5 hr. time frame, British Airways will pay up to a total of $275,000 in compensation fees.
Airline Company: Since British Airways has a strong reputation for safety they may lose that image in the event of continuing the flight instead of landing at the nearest airport. Moreover, flying through 5,000 miles through a low attitude on only three engines may cause safety concerns for the company’s brand image.
Insurance Company: In the event of an accident,