4 South Korean airlines will allocate emergency exit seats to uniformed workers as part of a new scheme following a passenger opening a door at 700 feet altitude.
4 South Korean airlines will allocate emergency exit seats to uniformed workers as part of a new scheme following a passenger opening a door at 700 feet altitude.
South Korean Airlines Implement New Seating Scheme to Prevent Mid-Air Emergency Exits
In an effort to prevent incidents similar to the one in May, where a passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight opened the emergency exit mid-air, four South Korean airlines have signed up for a new scheme. The scheme aims to prioritize uniformed personnel, including soldiers and airline workers, for exit row seats, as reported by The Korean Times.
The incident in May occurred when an Asiana Airlines flight was preparing to land. At an altitude of 700 feet, just minutes before landing, a passenger opened the emergency exit door. Although no serious injuries occurred, nine people were taken to the hospital due to suspected hyperventilation. The 33-year-old passenger responsible for the act was subsequently arrested, according to The Guardian.
The approval for this new seating scheme was given by the government and is set to go into effect on July 31, stated Park Dae-chul, chief policymaker of the ruling People Power Party, as reported by The Korea Times. The scheme will apply to a total of 94 seats in 38 aircraft operated by Asiana Airlines, Air Seoul, Air Busan, and Aero K Airlines.
The idea for this seating scheme was initiated shortly after the incident in May. Paddle Your Own Kanoo reported that during that incident, the nearest Asiana Airlines flight attendant to the emergency exit was seated on the opposite side of the aircraft, unable to prevent the suspect from opening the door.
It’s not just Asiana Airlines that has faced such incidents this year. In another occurrence, a Delta passenger was arrested after opening the emergency exit and sliding down just minutes before takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport. Similarly, in July, a highly intoxicated passenger attempted (but failed) to open the emergency exit on a Jet2 flight, forcing an emergency landing in Bulgaria.
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The implementation of this new seating scheme seeks to prevent potential mid-air emergencies by prioritizing individuals who are likely to be better equipped to handle such situations. By allocating the exit row seats to uniformed personnel, including police officers, soldiers, firefighters, and airline employees, South Korean airlines hope to have a better line of defense in case of emergency.
Having personnel with basic training and knowledge of emergency procedures in these seats can ensure a more efficient response in critical moments. This proactive approach not only safeguards the well-being of passengers but also minimizes the risk of injuries and potential panic in such situations.
It is crucial for airlines to constantly evaluate their safety protocols and adapt them to mitigate potential risks. In this case, South Korean airlines are taking a proactive step towards enhancing passenger safety by rethinking who gets assigned to exit row seats. By prioritizing individuals with relevant training and experience, they aim to prevent incidents like the one in May from occurring again.
The implementation of this scheme demonstrates the airlines’ commitment to passenger safety and their ability to adapt and address potential vulnerabilities. Such initiatives should be commended as they emphasize the importance of proactive safety measures rather than solely relying on reactive responses to incidents.
While this new seating scheme serves as a deterrent, it is essential to continue educating passengers about the importance of following safety instructions and not tampering with emergency exits unless instructed to do so by the crew. By increasing passenger awareness and reinforcing the seriousness of such actions, the probability of mid-air emergency exits can be further reduced.
Overall, this new scheme implemented by South Korean airlines showcases the industry’s commitment to passenger safety. By prioritizing individuals with relevant training and experience for exit row seats, airlines are taking a proactive stance to prevent potential mid-air emergencies. This approach should serve as an example for other airlines worldwide to evaluate their safety protocols and implement changes that enhance passenger safety.
