Question – As the Crisis Manager of Travelair, evaluate the key communication and business continuation priorities and strategies in the first few days and weeks following this accident?
Perhaps Split it into immediate and then strategic response. The idea behind good crisis management is to keep it moving and don’t miss anything
Much of the regulation and procedure stems from the umbrella convention on international civil aviation DOC7300
Business continuation priorities – The success of this depends on a robust crisis management plan which has already been put in place. A part of the crisis management plan should promote business continuity by shielding its self and channelling the crisis fallout from the business operation.
References to scenario
- Airline was operating out of US airport. That means airline has to comply with FAA and ICAO regulations. There is stricter regulations for airlines – need reference to this.1.4 REFERENCE IN SCENARIO
- Ref 2.1.2 reference regarding rigid airport structure. Would be ideal for airline to work closely with airport and public sector to ensure there are adequate personnel and resources to deal with crisis. It is in the airlines/airports and the whole islands interest to ensure that the integrity of the airline is not compromised and that tourism still flows into the island. The reputation is of paramount importance!
- Logistics to island is made difficult. Communications with airline crisis management and airline team members/airport authorities on island is key.
- There are various findings made in the scenario. During the initial hours and days, these may come to light in media reports or unconfirmed findings. It’s important that as part of the crisis management that these reports are answered in a way that doesn’t undermined the airline or open it up to speculation. Again this is in reference to ensuring the airline maintains legitimacy.
- The only runway on the island is out of action. This is both logistally difficult for the crisis management and business continuations. How will the airline move people/material in and out for both crisis and airline operations? Say if a plane is AOG somewhere, a plan is needed to get a part off the island.
- Reference to FAA AC 150/5200-31 which is FAA Airport contingency plan. It is in the airport and the airlines best interest to get the runway open and the airport operational to support both business and crisis response.
- Set up a crisis team and shield them from the rest of the business
- Action post disaster management plan – This could start with ICAO Annex 14 of the aerodrome standards
