In recent weeks, the shape of cargo flights has taken a turn. Many empty commercial aircraft are now being used to ship personal protection equipment (PPE) and medical supplies throughout the world. Perhaps the last thing you think a cargo-only flight would need is a flight attendant but airlines are still employing their services on these flights. Here’s why…
It’s not all that common for cargo planes to employ flight attendants to manage goods. Normally, as you would assume, cabin crew would not be needed. However, a rise in DIY cargo shipments using empty passenger aircraft has meant that these common conceptions have changed.
Air carriers like Hi Fly have been using commercial aircraft to bring aid from China to Portugal. Other airlines, like Lufthansa and SpiceJet, are doing the same in their respective countries. Some of these airlines are keeping their cabin crews in employment by offering them shifts on cargo planes. Of course, this is not simply a gesture of goodwill on the airline’s behalf. However, it does help.
The reason that flight attendants need to be employed on some cargo planes is the same reason that they are employed on passenger services. They are needed to ensure safety. However, this time it’s not about keeping passengers in check but instead mitigating fire risks. Flight attendants are now donning fire extinguishers in lieu of the drinks’ trolley.
The main issue with converting commercial aircraft to carry cargo is that these aircraft are not structurally the same as cargo planes. According to Boeing:
The main issue with converting commercial aircraft to carry cargo is that these aircraft are not structurally the same as cargo planes. According to Boeing:
However, not all commercial aircraft have these systems. And if they do, they are not as robust as the normal fire suppression systems in purpose-built freighters. For this reason, extra measures are needed to mollify potential fire hazards.
11/04/20 Laura Ash/Simple Flying
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It’s not all that common for cargo planes to employ flight attendants to manage goods. Normally, as you would assume, cabin crew would not be needed. However, a rise in DIY cargo shipments using empty passenger aircraft has meant that these common conceptions have changed.
Air carriers like Hi Fly have been using commercial aircraft to bring aid from China to Portugal. Other airlines, like Lufthansa and SpiceJet, are doing the same in their respective countries. Some of these airlines are keeping their cabin crews in employment by offering them shifts on cargo planes. Of course, this is not simply a gesture of goodwill on the airline’s behalf. However, it does help.
The reason that flight attendants need to be employed on some cargo planes is the same reason that they are employed on passenger services. They are needed to ensure safety. However, this time it’s not about keeping passengers in check but instead mitigating fire risks. Flight attendants are now donning fire extinguishers in lieu of the drinks’ trolley.
The main issue with converting commercial aircraft to carry cargo is that these aircraft are not structurally the same as cargo planes. According to Boeing:
The main issue with converting commercial aircraft to carry cargo is that these aircraft are not structurally the same as cargo planes. According to Boeing:
However, not all commercial aircraft have these systems. And if they do, they are not as robust as the normal fire suppression systems in purpose-built freighters. For this reason, extra measures are needed to mollify potential fire hazards.
11/04/20 Laura Ash/Simple Flying
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