Germanwings flight 4U9525 crash: Airlines including EasyJet, Monarch Airlines, Virgin and Thomas Cook have just changed their cockpit procedures so two people must always be present
Following the revelation that Germanwings flight 4U9525 may have been crashed deliberately, some of the world's largest airlines have confirmed plans to change their cockpit procedures so two crew members must always be present.
Airlines including EasyJet, Monarch Airlines, Emirates, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Virgin and Thomas Cook all said they have changed their policies.
The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it had written to airlines to find out what safety procedures they have in place.
It added that pilots have "extensive and regular" medical assessments to ensure they are fit to hold a license.
Aeromedical examiners are required to assess a commercial pilot's mental health at each medical examination which, for an airline pilot flying with at least one other pilot, is undertaken annually. These detailed medical assessments are in line with international aviation standards.
Yesterday shares in airlines fell as it emerged the crash may have been deliberate. International Airlines Group, which owns British Airways and Iberia, dropped 6.5 per cent, while Ryanair fell 2.6 per cent and EasyJet closed 2.8 per cent lower.
New procedures
The following airlines have confirmed they will now require at least two people in the cockpit at all times:
- EasyJet
- Monarch
- Emirates
- Air Canada
- Westjet
- Air Transat
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Lufthansa
- Air Berlin
- Virgin
- Thomas Cook