"The unusual passenger distribution was not noticed by the cabin crew or dispatcher|
"unusual passenger distribution"
nothing unusual per se here. the lc-system recalculated per new registration and redistributed pax to all 4 zones I read 42 in 0D.
having said that, definitely someone failed to notify the gate supervisor to change (paper ?) boarding passes for 42 known pax, (time consuming, creating frustrations and delays),
or allocate 42 seats at random, again creating frustrations and delays,
or if free-seating was decided, (justified by the excess capacity) someone failed to alert the cabin crew supervisor (to block seat-rows) and advise all pax.
the report is unclear in this.
"not noticed"
'by the dispatcher'
meaning the person preparing the loadsheet, load-controller/planner (usually far from the gate/aircraft) ? Well they never come on board to verify their work nor they are required to.
supervision of loading and pax boarding is supervised by the ramp agent / loading supervisor, usually handling 3-4 flights simultaneously !
'by the cabin crew'
no EASA or FAA legislation - to my knowledge - exist, mandating this short of checks by cabin crew.
it is a matter to be dealt with by the CC Training Dept and that points to company culture.
in the old days cabin crew were better trained and also received a copy of the loadsheet, even LCC, so there was better awareness.