Sinking Feeling....
Safety is the number one priority for us all in the industry.
Of course, this unfolding drama is doing untold damage to our industry, however I am getting a bad feeling (especially listening to Euro Controls press conference and taking into account all these TEST flights by legacy airlines), these commercial operators could be attempting to persuade the powers that be to relax the restrictions already in place, just for the sake of reducing the rate of cash burn, thus having a detrimental effect on safety.
There is plenty of evidence published that states volcanic ash does untold damage to a turbine engine, and can lead to multiple engine failures. KLM Lufthansa and British Airways are not exactly independent entities.
I agree in the authorities decision to ground aircraft, especially considering the severe risk associated with volcano ash. I just hope their resolve continues and will not allow the "BIG BOYS" in the airline industry to pull sway on what effects ALL aircraft sharing the same airspace.
I hope someone can ease my concerns, your comments welcome.
High Low