How do you believe the airline and the airport authorities handled the crisis situation?
Dubai's progressive development of airport infrastructure and huge investments to support global airlines is based on excellent people, systems and procedures in place. Responding to the air accidents requires a good team of trained and motivated people at the ground level esp. the nationals who are assuming increasingly important management responsibilities. But having said that , it is no mean achievement of the Captain and the crew of Biman Airlines as they was also well prepared for such disasters. So kudos to all who were singing from the same hymn sheet..
What impact has the incident had on the aviation industry in Dubai, in particular the reputation of DIA?
Indeed it will be a chastening experience for all - as all disasters provide a learn curve for stakeholders - the government, airline business and the people. The same did happen in the summer of 2005 when I was waiting to board the incoming AF A340 - Air France (Airbus  schedule between Paris and Toronto.) The landing gear failed after the flight landed at Toronto in the afternoon August 2 and skidded off the runway, engulfed in flames. It brought about a great team work of airline crews and the Toronto Airport Authority. Not a single casualty although the airplane broke into two-with  all 297 passengers and 12 crew members safe. Some broke their arms and legs after jumping out in a panic situation and just  before the gully (10 to 15 m deep) close by heading to the main 401 highway
Because of the adroitness in handing such air accidents I am certain that it will be a feather in the cap of DIA and Biman Airlines. It will take sometime for the passengers and others who were involved to recover from the shock of this death threatening experience. A valuable lesson for all - including my students who were equipped with knowledge of Airport Operations and Safety and Security way back in 1996 at HCT, Dubai Men's College) and employed well at DIA.
( Here is a running account and reaction of AF 340 disaster in Toronto - "Actually it was 297 pax plus 12 crew. 309 Total. Evacuation was complete in less than 90sec. Amazing if you ask me. There are quite a few speculation on what happened. The Temperature at YYZ actually dropped from around 34 degrees to around 21 around the time when the planed landed. Microburst, lightning strike are all possible. According to some witnesses, the aircraft wouched down past the halfway point. If that were the case, pilot probably tried visual approach in very bad visibility." )
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/08/04/tsb-thursday050804.html
What impact do you believe this will have on business for Biman Airlines?
More reliability on Biman Airlines and crew training methods who respond to such emergencies. However, underlying disaster management and continuity planning for contingencies is the professional development programs such as Safety and Security which has become critical in these modern times. I welcome anyone now in GCC state to contact me at the GUST Logistics Forum for special training in air logistics at suresh.p@gust.edu.kw Thank you - all the editorial team of Aviation Business ( ITP publication) for the opportunity to share my views in the publication that I read regularly since 2002.
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