“Typically on long-haul flights when you’re at cruise altitude there’s very little happening in the cockpit,” EASA chief Patrick Ky told a German press briefing in January. Both remain in the cockpit for take-off and landing. If the flight encounters a problem or the pilot flying is incapacitated, the resting copilot can be summoned within minutes. Safe deployment will require constant monitoring of the solo pilot’s alertness and vital signs by on-board systems, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has said.
“As for any design evolution, we are working with airlines.” “We’ve proven over decades we can enhance safety by putting the latest technology in aircraft,” Cail told Reuters, declining to identify project partners. Work has resumed after the COVID-19 crisis paused the programme, Chief Test Pilot Christophe Cail said. It added: “Having said that, we will continue to engage with Airbus and to support development of the concept.”Īirbus has previously disclosed plans to add single-pilot capability to the A350, but the airlines’ participation had not been reported. “The appropriateness and effectiveness of any such rollout as well as (the) overall cost-benefit analysis (will) ultimately depend on how the pandemic plays out.” “While we are engaging with Airbus in the development of the concept of reduced crew operations, we have not committed in any way to being the launch customer,” the Hong Kong carrier said.Ĭommercial implementation would first require extensive testing, regulatory approval and pilot training with “absolutely no compromise on safety”, Cathay said. Lufthansa has also worked on the single-pilot programme but currently has no plans to use it, a spokesman for the German carrier told Reuters.Ĭathay Pacific Airways confirmed its involvement but said no decision had been made on eventual deployment.
But it is likely to encounter resistance from pilots already hit by mass layoffs, and safety concerns about aircraft automation. That promises savings for airlines, amid uncertainty over the post-pandemic economics of intercontinental flying. 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. High hurdles remain on the path to international acceptance. The programme, known within Airbus as Project Connect, aims to certify its A350 jet for single-pilot operations during high-altitude cruise, starting in 2025 on Cathay passenger flights, the sources said. PARIS, June 16 (Reuters) - Cathay Pacific is working with Airbus to introduce “reduced crew” long-haul flights with a sole pilot in the cockpit much of the time, industry sources told Reuters. * Airlines stand to save on long-haul crew costs * Programme targets 2025 launch on Cathay A350s - sources * Cathay, Airbus collaborating on single-pilot project
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