VIRGIN ATLANTIC ANNOUNCES NEW SECURITY MEASURES

Virgin Atlantic Airways today announced that following the recent terrorist attacks in the USA it plans to introduce a range of new security measures including improved flight deck security.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the airline, said today:

“British airlines have a world class security record and the safety and security of our crew and our passengers has always been our highest priority. The events of September 11 highlighted the catastrophic consequences of terrorists taking control of aircraft and as a result we have decided to significantly heighten the protection we give our pilots.

“Specifically, as a short term solution, we have asked the CAA to follow the FAA lead to allow the immediate fitting of security bars to existing flight deck doors as well as permission to strengthen these doors.

“Virgin Atlantic believes that a longer term and more permanent solution is to fit additional, more secure doors leading into the cockpit. These doors would be bullet, heat and shock proof with digital locks and CCTV monitors to ensure that only authorised staff gain entry.

“We will also introduce a number of other measures that will not be visible to our passengers but which will both protect our passengers and crew and enhance the screening of passengers and baggage.

“These are not decisions we’ve taken lightly but are ones that I’m sure will be welcomed by all who fly with us in the future and who share our view that the best response to recent events is for us all to get back to business.”

The new security doors would be fitted in addition to existing cockpit doors and would create a “cordon sanitaire” between the flight deck and the rest of the aircraft. Virgin Atlantic aims to start fitting out its fleet in the first half of next year.

The airline is keen to ensure that the desire to enhance the protection given to its pilots is balanced by the need to provide emergency access to and from the flight deck and to ensure these new systems take into account the threat of depressurisation. Hence it will be consulting with all its staff, particularly its pilots, and BALPA on these measures and will be working closely with all the appropriate authorities, including the CAA to gain the necessary regulatory approval.