In the aftermath of the recent plane crash at Tokyo's Haneda airport involving a Japan Airlines (JAL) aircraft, experts attribute the successful evacuation of all 379 passengers and crew onboard the Airbus A350 to a combination of modern safety standards and the airline's rigorous safety culture.
Graham Braithwaite, a professor of safety and accident investigation at the UK’s Cranfield University, points out that JAL's dedication to safety was intensified by a catastrophic accident in 1985. During that incident, JAL flight 123 from Tokyo to Osaka crashed, resulting in 520 casualties, making it the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history. The crash was attributed to a faulty repair of the tail by Boeing technicians after an earlier incident.
Braithwaite emphasizes that the profound impact of the 1985 tragedy led JAL to adopt a safety-first mentality. Learning from the past, the airline implemented strict safety protocols, including comprehensive crew training and adherence to standard operating procedures. In 2005, recognizing that new employees lacked a firsthand memory of the 1985 accident, JAL established a display in their corporate headquarters showcasing the wreckage and stories of the crew and passengers involved.
Despite the recent incident, Braithwaite believes that JAL's commitment to safety was a key factor in the successful evacuation. He highlights the airline's continuous efforts to improve safety standards and emphasizes the positive outcome of the recent incident as a testament to the effectiveness of JAL's safety measures.
Japan Airlines has consistently ranked among the world's safest airlines, receiving accolades from websites like Airlineratings.com. Geoffrey Thomas, the editor-in-chief of Airlineratings.com, notes that JAL has maintained an excellent safety record since the 1985 accident. He also mentions that the airline's top rating as a seven-star airline and successful completion of major safety audits contribute to its reputation as a safe carrier.
In conclusion, the recent incident at Haneda airport underscores Japan Airlines' unwavering commitment to safety, shaped by the tragic events of 1985. The airline's dedication to learning from past mistakes and continuous improvement has positioned it as a top-rated and trusted airline in the global aviation industry.
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