Terror Attack on Flight to Detroit - Gulf Between a Quick Response and a Smart Response

December 28, 2009

Somewhere between prohibiting Mr. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab from flying and allowing him onto an airplane with explosives stashed in his briefs, there’s a gulf. Rather than bridge this chasm by focusing increased attention on the half million suspicious persons who have been identified, new rules will keep hundreds of millions of non-threatening passengers confined to their seats; books, blankets and computers protectively out of their laps in a response that will do little to address the real terror threat.

Great Lessons Learned From Thank You Notes

December 27, 2009

As we opened Christmas presents the other morning, the kids and I took notes about who gave us what. That list, scribbled in the chaos of Christmas morning, becomes an important document when it’s time to write our thank you notes.

The Most Dangerous Workplace

See the update on this post here

December 22, 2009

“The airport ramp is most dangerous workplace in the world.”
International Air Transport Association

Because they die one by one, the deaths of airport workers are little noticed events. While families grieve, news accounts focus on the question of whether airline operations were disrupted or air travelers inconvenienced.

Interview with Gary Kelly, CEO Southwest Airlines

Click here for the full interview with Gary Kelly of Southwest.

Time of transition for Southwest Airlines

December 19, 2009

In the not too distant future, Southwest Airlines, the company that made its reputation by playing industry contrarian may look more like the competition. In an interview, Southwest chief executive Gary Kelly told me the airline has matured to the point, "we have to be more than just a low fare carrier." (view the complete transcript on my website www.christinenegroni.com)

Experience matters in pilot qualifications

December 17, 2009

As anyone who has driven with a teenager knows, there is no more valuable teacher of driving skills than experience. Which is why I was so disturbed to read the comment of a Colgan Air executive speaking to a Wall Street Journal reporter earlier this month. Colgan, you remember was the regional airline handling Continental’s Flight 3047 into Buffalo, New York on February 12. The plane crashed into a neighborhood killing 49 people on board and one man on the ground. The National Transportation Safety Board has yet to issue a probable cause report on the accident.