SAFETY AUDIT MUST

The domestic aircraft crash outside Moscow on Sunday in which 71 people perished has come as a rude shock. Russia has seen record high snowfall in recent days and visibility was reportedly poor but the actual reasons for the crash are yet to be ascertained. Russia’s air safety record is far worse than the rest of Europe, with airlines often operating ageing aircraft in dangerous flying conditions. It is imperative that the Russian authorities carry out a safety audit of all ageing aircraft and ground those unfit for flying.