379 passengers evacuation in 2 minutes: Japan’s aviation rules, ‘written in blood'

Japan: In a harrowing incident at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, a Japan Airlines passenger plane collided with a Japan Coast Guard Dash 8 aircraft, resulting in a fiery scene. Miraculously, all 379 passengers and crew on the passenger plane were safely evacuated, while tragically, five out of six crew members on the Coast Guard plane lost their lives.

Experts credit the successful evacuation to Japan Airlines' rigorous safety culture. Graham Braithwaite, a professor of safety and accident investigation at Cranfield University, emphasized the airline's commitment to safety, stating that the remarkable outcome shouldn't be surprising given the airline's extensive safety measures and crew training.

Dedication to safely stems from 40 years ago incident 

Japan Airlines' dedication to safety stems from a catastrophic incident nearly 40 years ago. The crash of JAL flight 123 in 1985, resulting in 520 out of 524 fatalities, marked the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history. This tragedy profoundly impacted the airline, prompting a collective responsibility to ensure such a disaster never recurred.

Braithwaite highlighted the Japanese culture of viewing accidents as learning opportunities, emphasizing continuous improvement in safety protocols. JAL employees understand the gravity of aviation safety records, recognizing that lessons often come at the cost of others' lives.

Runway incursions, such as the recent collision, are deemed rare but potentially catastrophic. Despite the severity of the impact, JAL's crew training and safety measures proved crucial in ensuring the swift evacuation of passengers within 90 seconds.

Steven Erhlich, chair of PilotsTogether, commended the exemplary performance of the crew and emphasized the effectiveness of continuous safety training provided by airlines like JAL. While investigations are underway, the incident serves as a testament to the importance of a robust safety culture in the aviation industry.