SINCE its inception, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has accorded utmost attention to safety and is considered among the leading airline companies in its commitment to and strict application of flight safety measures.
Keeping this in mind, I was astonished to read in the press recently that a Saudia jumbo jet bound for Jeddah from Cairo twice failed to take off because of the excess load on board. The crew were not deterred by two aborted takeoffs and were ready to make a third attempt, but were stopped by the timely intervention of the Egyptian authorities. Gen. Ahmed Shafiq, the Egyptian minister of civil aviation, issued orders to stop the aircraft from taking off and investigate the incident.
There are several questions that arise on account of this incident. Who is responsible for the excess load that caused the failed takeoff? Why were the crew persistent in their attempts to take off, even though they were aware of the excess load? What risks do excess loads pose on aircraft and passenger safety? It is known that every type of aircraft has a maximum capacity that should not be exceeded at any cost. It is also a fact that many accidents are caused by surplus loads.
I do not know the exact load that was on Flight 2308, which hampered the aircraft from taking off and attracted the attention of the Egyptian minister of civil aviation.
Out of concern that people’s safety requires the maximum care, ordinary people like me cannot understand why the crew were adamant on making a third attempt to take off. I honestly wish a Saudia official would kindly disclose the circumstances surrounding the incident, the excess load, the role of the crew and the results of investigations conducted by the Egyptian authorities and others.
Saudia should not be complacent with the statement issued by its regional director in Cairo that the aircraft returned to Saudi Arabia without passengers and that the crew were changed because they had exceeded their flying hours. The publishing of the whole story may answer many questions.
