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 cruise phase, aiming for implementation by 2025 to reduce crew costs and enable longer flights.
- This initiative faces significant hurdles, including the need for extensive safety testing, strict regulatory approval, and pilot training, with airlines emphasizing no compromise on safety.
- Pilot unions are expected to strongly oppose the shift, questioning its rationale and raising concerns, while Airbus maintains that technology can enhance safety.
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