Media Statement for AC624 Halifax Incident, (March 29, 2015)

MONTREAL, Air Canada is in receipt of the TSB report on the incident involving AC624 in March 2015. We are appreciative of the TSB’s efforts to thoroughly investigate this matter and make recommendations aimed at improving aviation safety. Air Canada is committed to continuing to improve passenger safety.

These continuing efforts, many of which have been already implemented, include working with stakeholders and addressing various issues raised in the report, including:

Outfitting its Airbus narrow-body aircraft that are not already equipped with GPS and upgrading ground proximity warning technology aboard aircraft. The GPS program is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Continuing discussions with Transport Canada on new requirements tying approach minimums to airport runway lighting. The report found runway lighting to be a cause and contributing factor and Air Canada has since worked with the Halifax International Airport Authority to upgrade lighting at the airport.

Conducting outreach, starting last year, to other airports across the country related to runway lighting upgrade programs and certain airports have already agreed to upgrades.

Reviewing emergency response plans and consulting with Transport Canada to ensure responsibilities are properly delegated to those bodies best equipped to deliver the services. For example, Air Canada believes local airport authorities are best positioned to organize and coordinate passenger transport in event of emergencies on airport properties.

Air Canada’s Standard Operating Procedures on approaches have been approved by Transport Canada. Nonetheless, Air Canada has amended its procedures with respect to approaches during periods of severe and adverse weather phenomena. These changes are designed to validate and strengthen minimum requirements.