Purchasing simulators and raising salaries to retain talent: Revival of TransAsia Airways starts with aviation safety fundamentals

▲TransAsia Airways CEO Chen Xinde (center) leads a press conference today. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong, same below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

After nearly five months of investigation, the Aviation Safety Council today (July 2) released the cockpit voice recorder transcript of the TransAsia Airways GE235 crash into the Keelung River on February 4. Eight seconds before the crash, the pilots were heard saying “Wow, wrong throttle,” leading to suspicions that the accident was caused by human error. TransAsia Airways also held a press conference that afternoon, announcing plans to improve flight safety by establishing an aviation safety committee and setting up a training center, among other hardware and software measures.

TransAsia report released: Pilots shouted “Wow, wrong throttle!” eight seconds before crash＜＜＜＜Extended reading

TransAsia Airways General Manager Wu Husheng stated that the top priority now is to “start from the roots.” As such, the airline has established a Flight Safety Committee and invited experts such as Jon Beatty, current CEO of the International Air Transport Association’s Flight Safety Foundation, to serve as advisors. In addition, original equipment manufacturers’ technicians from ATR and Airbus have come to Taiwan for in-depth inspections. All TransAsia pilots have passed audits by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. The airline’s aviation safety committee will also conduct self-assessments every two weeks.

▲The air disaster incident that occurred on February 4 involving TransAsia Airways.

Regarding personnel matters, Wu Husheng also noted that TransAsia has increased its number of ATR pilots to 61 and expanded its operations and maintenance staff by 20%. Over 30% of employees have received promotions or pay raises of 4–6%, aiming to retain aviation talent. By the end of this year, the airline will also purchase A320 and ATR72-600 simulators, expected to enhance crew training next year.

TransAsia Airways CEO Chen Xinde also mentioned that after the crash, the airline’s overall passenger load factor is currently around 60%. The company is still awaiting the final report due next April. Regarding compensation for the families of the victims, seven mainland Chinese tourists have reached settlements, 16 are still in the process of preparing documents, but no Taiwanese passengers have reached settlements yet.