flydubai comments on Russia plane crash report

Says implemented actions beyond those identified in the final report

The UAE-based carrier flydubai yesterday commented on a report released by Russia on the fatal 2016 crash of a passenger plane that put the onus of the crash on the crew.

The Boeing 737-800 came down in the early hours of March 19, 2016, at Rostov-onDon airport in southern Russia after aborting a second landing attempt in high winds. All 62 people on board died. Gaith Al Gaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai, said: “Flydubai would like to thank the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC), the Russian Authorities and the Accredited Representatives for their work.”

During the official investigation, while observing ICAO’s Annex 13 protocols, flydubai appointed a number of subject matter experts to conduct a thorough internal investigation of the factual data as well as to provide substantive responses to the Investigator In Charge.

“In accidents involving human factors, it is important to exhaust all possible scenarios when interpreting the factual data. It is the priority of the industry to understand all possible factors contributing to such a tragic accident and ensure critical insights that can make aviation safer are shared.”

He added: “Flydubai acknowledges the conclusions and recommendations drawn by the IAC. We have taken our obligations seriously and have implemented additional actions above and beyond those identified in the Final Report.

“As part of flydubai’s ongoing commitment to improved air safety, it is our intention to share our additional learnings and insights with the industry.” Flydubai said it has settled the majority of compensation claims by families of the victims and it is working to complete the process.

Its aim “has always been to fairly compensate those who have been impacted by the loss of loved ones”.

In August of 2018, Dubai Civil Court awarded Russian siblings Dh800,000 in compensation for the death of their parents in the flight. “We recognise this is a poignant moment for the families and our long-term care team remains available for as long as they need,” flydubai said.

As part of flydubai’s ongoing commitment to improved air safety, it is our intention to share our additional learnings and insights with the industry.” Gaith Al Gaith | CEO, flydubai