In the span of a single week, three airline tragedies have shaken the global aviation community.
On Thursday, July 24, news broke of the disappearance over West Africa of Air Algerie Flight AH5017 about 50 minutes after it left Burkina Faso. It was carrying 116 people.
On Wednesday, July 23, a TransAsia Airways passenger plane crashed on one of Taiwan's Penghu Islands in the high winds of Typhoon Matmo killing 48 people.
And, on Thursday, July 17, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile near the Russian-Ukrainian border killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew on board.
It is with great sorrow that we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families who await news of their loved ones, and to those who must bear the grief of loss.
As Flight Attendants dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of safety and security in the aircraft cabin, many of us may be experiencing powerful emotions related to each of these tragic incidents, which are likely to deepen with today’s heartbreaking headlines.
Remember, your AFA EAP is available to help any member with their thoughts and reactions to these incidents. You can find your local AFA EAP committee members at www.afacwa.org or by calling the EAP international helpline at 800-424-2406.
