Airline puts safety first

In response to the article, Airport firefighters speak out in the 21 March 1997 issue of Nunatsiaq News, First Air would like to set the record straight and instill confidence in users of our service.

For the record, I would like to make it quite clear that First Air would not jeopardize the safety of our passengers. Safety is and will always be our major concern. First Air has spent considerable money installing many onboard safety features in respect to the prevention of onboard fires.

First Air was represented an all committees and boards of various organizations in order that the safety of all concerned was addressed in a manner acceptable to the public. First Air maintained representation with the Air Transport Association’s Airworthiness Group for a total of four years before the airworthiness directive became law.

This process was not without expense to First Air. In the case of our combi Boeing 727s the expense was in the area of $900,000 for some aircraft.

With respect to First Air not supporting the Emergency Response Services, after investigation with the Department of Transportation it was determined that the only way the Emergency Response Services would remain in Iqaluit was through a user-pay format.

It was determined that it was not a requirement and therefore would only create an additional cost, which in turn would have to be passed on to our customers.

Yours truly,

Andrew G. Campbell

V.P Sales and

Commercial Operations

First Air

Carp, Ont.