AINsight: Long-haul Single-pilot Ops Face Turbulence | Aviation International News

AINsight: Long-haul Single-pilot Ops Face Turbulence

Airbus and Cathay Pacific might want to rethink a project aimed at allowing single-pilot operations of airliners during the cruise phase of flight.

By Stuart “Kipp” Lau • Contributor - Safety

October 22, 2021

Cathay Pacific is working with Airbus to introduce a concept that reduces the number of flight crew on long-haul flights. Project Connect, as it's known internally at Airbus, would certify the Airbus A350 for single-pilot operations during the high-altitude cruise phase of flight. Cathay hopes to introduce this idea on long-haul passenger flights beginning in 2025.

The project will likely encounter some turbulence on its path to widespread acceptance. Regulators must first be satisfied that safety is not compromised. Then passengers will have to come to grips with a single pilot at the controls of an airliner for hours on end.

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Stuart “Kipp” Lau

Contributor - Safety

About the author

Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.

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