Airlines accused of cynical attack on ash cloud safety

IRELAND’S two largest airlines have been accused of conducting a “cynical, politically motivated” attack on ash cloud safety measures, after claiming protection plans were “inaccurate” and needlessly closing airports.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair, which have lost tens of millions of euro as a direct result of the crisis, yesterday said a US-style system to map out safe routes through ash cloud plumes could prevent “wrong” no-fly zone safety measures being made.

However, they have been heavily criticised by City Jet owner and qualified pilot Geoffrey O’Byrne White, who said there was no evidence to support the claims.

In a clear attack on current ash cloud safety plans yesterday, Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller said predictions by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) are based on “theoretical models” and “subsequently proven to be wrong when ash levels are actually measured”.

He added that, as “Europe has little or no experience in this area”, a system similar to that operated by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the US should be introduced.

“We propose that specialised aircraft, including possibly military aircraft, equipped with appropriate measurement devices be deployed around the Atlantic rim as part of a European initiative in order to respond swiftly and decisively to any approaching ash cloud.”

The comment was repeated by Ryanair head of communications Stephen McNamara, who alleged “EU governments and their regulatory authorities have engaged in excessive and inappropriate closures of EU airspace.”

However, criticising the claims, City Jet chief executive O’Byrne White said the comments were a “cynical” attempt to put budgets before passenger safety.

“This is a cynical attempt, by means of a public statement, to put pressure on the regulator in its efforts to cope with uncertainties involved with determining the scope and nature of the airborne ash environment.

“In the interests of reassuring the travelling public, I would like to state without reservation, that the IAA and its CEO have adopted a very proactive leadership role in both sourcing available data and communicating with all the airlines on almost an hourly basis,” he said.

Reacting to the comments, an Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) spokeswoman said comparing US systems to those in Europe was inaccurate, as the far busier rate of European air travel makes charting small pockets where flights can take place significantly more difficult.

IAA chief executive Eamonn Brennan, said that, while more flight testing would be of use, the current ash cloud safety model is sufficient for measuring plume density and ensuring planes taking off can do so without fear.

Meanwhile, the IAA’s latest update has confirmed that all Irish airports will remain open until at least 1pm today. A large volcanic ash cloud measuring about 2,400 nautical miles long and 1,300 nautical miles wide remains positioned over the Atlantic from Greenland to the Iberian peninsula.

As volcanic ash is affecting parts of Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands, Ryanair flights to and from these destinations face delays and cancellations.

Aer Lingus yesterday morning cancelled flights to Portugal, while transatlantic flights experienced delays.