Aviation security is achieved by combining information and response, the correct order of actions, and timely delegation of authority. Each air carrier is responsible for the welfare of passengers and the quality of services. Consequently, the creation of an Emergency Response Plan (ERP), which addresses customers’ security needs, is imperative to deal with emergencies. Crisis, airborne, ground, and operational management coordinates collaborative efforts for a holistic ERP approach. Some of the accidents show that current international and corporate manuals cover emergencies, but some are still out of control.
ERP includes rules and guidelines according to which emergencies on board, at the airport, or in the office can be prevented. Safety is achieved through timely response and the use of proper resources. ERP includes the following elements:
- Analysis of an emergency by using a checklist;
- ERP responsible group and contact list;
- A list of actions that are relevant to a specific crisis;
- Material and intellectual resources that are essential to reduce the hazard.
The interaction of ERP and stakeholders is revealed with a more detailed study of the manuals. In addition to specific rules and guidelines for professionals, it covers the well-being of passengers, including their families, within the framework of aviation security. In turn, media is one of the ways to distribute ERP to customers while raising their awareness of their responsibility for flight safety. Ground handling is part of the manual, as specialists are responsible for the protection and security of the airport area and offices. The director of the operation, cabin crew, or ground service should follow the following manual:
- Assess the emergency according to the checklist;
- Contact the rapid response team, including fire and medical services;
- Apply step-by-step actions from the corresponding ERP section;
- Assess the need for additional resources.
Germanwings 9525 is a plane crash where a pilot committed suicide while flying and directed the aircraft uphill. Lesson learned showed that pre-testing of the crew is inadequate. The pilot had critical psychological problems, although the corresponding test did not reveal this. The crisis communication strategy has the following elements:
- Initiating regular mental health checks for all aviation professionals;
- The constant presence of at least two specialists in the cockpit;
- Improved fixation of any medical abnormalities in the crew.
The American Southwest Airlines (ASA) 1380 accident caused one of the engines to fail and prompted an emergency landing. Unlike the German flight, this scenario occurred due to inadequate technical inspection of the transport. ASA 1380 pilots demonstrated ERP compliance as their responsiveness and emergency landing helped to avoid a catastrophe. However, one woman died because of engine debris hit the window. On the other hand, the Germanwings 9525 crash was due to non-qualifying crew checks and, consequently, a violation of the manual. It points to challenges with the airline’s legitimacy, which contrasts with the ASA 1380 pilots’ professionalism. The American carrier responsibly accepted the alarm and initiated an inspection of all aircraft, thereby completing ERP ground operations. In turn, the Germanwings 9525 scenario gave impetus to the creation of updated international rules, but the company itself ceased to exist a few years later. Thus, two dramatically different accidents have demonstrated the value of a holistic approach to ERP.
ERP is a complex document to create as it covers every process in air travel. It includes resource provision, guidance for action, and communication of information to mitigate risks in an emergency. Germanwings 9525 and ASA 1380 accidents were due to the inadequate crew and transport checks, respectively. However, their joint contribution to aviation security is to optimize parallel monitoring processes both in flight and aircraft and passengers’ handling.