“They are incredibly useful as a voice
of reason and a source of advice and
guidance for airlines,” says Jasper of the
standards created.
As an example of the COSTG’s safety
achievements, when the issue of lithium
battery/laptop fires first arose, it was
this group which worked rapidly to
identify best practices in firefighting
and prevention procedures, and these
procedures are now a global standard.
The group also worked to encourage the acceptance of
child restraint systems so that customers could use their
car seats onboard, and helped influence updates to the
regulations regarding the use of PEDs on board aircraft.
To formalise this continuous work, each year, the
group updates the IATA Cabin Operations Safety Best
1 January 2020 saw the entry
into force of Montreal Protocol
2014 (MP14), which enhances
the capacity of 22 states to curb
the escalation in the severity and
frequency of unruly behaviour on
board aircraft, whether physical
assault, harassment, smoking or
failing to follow crew instructions
– with passenger anxieties about
social distancing in the cabin being
a potential new concern.
MP14, properly named the
‘Protocol to Amend the Convention
on Offences and Certain Other Acts
Committed on Board Aircraft’, is a
global treaty that closes a legal gap
under the Tokyo Convention 1963,
whereby jurisdiction over offences
committed on board international
flights rests with the state where
the aircraft is registered. This
jurisdiction causes issues when
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050 JUNE 2020
unruly passengers are delivered
to the authorities upon landing
in foreign territories.
“Everybody is entitled to enjoy
a journey free from abusive or
other unacceptable behaviour.
But the deterrent to unruly
behaviour is weak. About 60% of
offenses go unpunished because
of jurisdictional issues” states
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s CEO.
“MP14 strengthens the deterrent
by enabling prosecution in the state
where the aircraft lands. The treaty
is in force. But the job is not done.
We encourage more states to
ratify MP14”.
IATA recommends that states
also review the enforcement
mechanisms available to them
in line with ICAO guidance on
using civil fines and penalties to
supplement criminal prosecutions.
MP14 tackles
unruly passengers
ACCESSIBILITY
PROGRESS
In November 2019 IATA concluded its inaugural
Global Accessibility Symposium, which brought
together guests from airlines, regulators and
accessibility advocacy groups with the aim of
creating ideas that will improve the air travel
experience for passengers with disabilities.
Five key issues were raised during the
symposium. It was noted that consistency is
required in global policy for work on accessibility
and inclusion in aviation, including airline/ground
processes and government regulation, as well
as a better understanding of the requirements
of travellers with hidden disabilities. A need for
improved and standardised processes was also
identified, to streamline handling of mobility
aids as the damage rate is too high, and the
importance of training was also recognised,
especially for passenger-facing roles, to ensure
inclusive, empathetic and human-centric service
is delivered to travellers with disabilities. Finally,
it was noted that inconsistencies in security
policies across airports and states for passengers
with disabilities need to be addressed.
The findings and results of this event are being
used to build upon the existing IATA accessibility
strategy that will lead to clear deliverables.
“It is a step in the right direction, but the work
isn’t done. We will continue to facilitate the
discussion and refine industry strategy. However,
we need governments to help by developing
harmonised regulations, in consultation with
industry and accessibility groups, that provide
clarity and consistency. Working together
will help ensure a safe, reliable and dignified
experience,” said Linda Ristagno, external
affairs manager at IATA.
“ Standards are incredibly
useful as a voice of reason”
JASPER PARTICIPATES
IN THE GLOBAL IATA
CABIN OPERATIONS
SAFETY CONFERENCE
EACH YEAR
I ATA I NTER V IEW
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