According to Reuters, Cathay Pacific Airways is currently working with Airbus on Project Connect, a plan to introduce “reduced crew” long-haul flights with a single pilot in the cockpit much of the time. Though Cathay has not given a final go-ahead to the single-pilot idea, the airline hopes to introduce it during high-altitude cruise on passenger flights by 2025. “Once cleared, longer flights would become possible with a pair of pilots alternating rest breaks, instead of the three or four currently needed to maintain at least two in the cockpit.” EASA chief Patrick Ky told a German press briefing in January, “Typically on long-haul flights when you’re at cruise altitude there’s very little happening in the cockpit.” Famously, Air France 447 was in level cruise flight at night when the two pilots of the A330 lost control of the airplane. That accident claimed 228 lives.
Cathay Pacific Aims for a Single Pilot in the A350 Cockpit During Long Hauls
Key Takeaways:
- Cathay Pacific and Airbus are collaborating on "Project Connect" to introduce single-pilot long-haul flights during the high-altitude cruise phase, with a target implementation by 2025.
- The initiative aims to reduce airline operating costs by decreasing the number of pilots required for extended flights, but faces significant hurdles in regulatory approval and safety assurances.
- Pilot labor unions express strong opposition and safety concerns regarding the shift to single-pilot operations, despite assertions from Airbus about technological advancements enhancing safety.
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