Originally Posted by
peter we
Ironic that experts are the airlines themselves who set the safe level they so objected to.
CEO's who complain AFTER a well know, serious, threat to their business occurs are incompetent. I do not want politicians making important technical descisons, especially about safety, because they are unqualified, incapable and biased towards making the unsafe choice. If it was a political decision the airspace would have re-opened within hours against all advice.
Yes it is looking like the airlines brought this on themselves. ICAO asked for their expert input on what concentrations of ash were safe to fly in, the airlines failed to respond or even attend any meetings, which left the only alternative of only zero ash is safe. ICAO published it's recommendations and guidance and wasn't challenged by industry. Everyone followed the guidance but the airlines are whining, even though the root cause lies firmly at their door.
BD