Qantas did not have a procedure for a rapid disembarkation, or other similar procedure that would effectively enable rapid deplaning at a slower and more controlled pace than an emergency evacuation. Therefore, the only option for rapid deplaning was an emergency evacuation utilising slides, which unnecessarily increased the risk of injuries in some situations.
Qantas has provided a copy of the procedure that has been developed to address this safety issue, with implementation scheduled for 2025. Therefore, the ATSB is satisfied that when implemented, the safety issue will have been adequately addressed.
In May 2022, Qantas advised that it was undertaking a review of its current non-routine disembarkation procedure and, in consultation with other airlines within the Qantas group, looking to incorporate a procedural framework that provided for the rapid disembarkation of passengers in certain circumstances.
Qantas advised it is progressing the rapid disembarkation change with a proposal in draft.
Qantas advised in July 2023 that a rapid disembarkation procedure had been developed and that it would further advise the ATSB when this procedure had been implemented.
Qantas advised that a rapid disembarkation procedure has been developed and is awaiting implementation. Also advising that in part the delay is due to the desire to review procedures across all Qantas group AOCs to ensure alignment where possible.
Qantas will update the ATSB when implemented.
Qantas provided details of a draft expedited (rapid) disembarkation procedure with advice that the new procedure would be implemented early 2025. The procedure provided for rapid deplaning, including at a terminal without the use of aircraft escape slides.
Qantas's expedited disembarkation procedure allows for rapid deplaning without the use of the escape slides. Thereby reducing the risk of injury in circumstances where occupants need to exit the aircraft expeditiously. While the procedure was still in draft when provided, the ATSB is satisfied that once implemented the procedure will adequately address the safety issue.
In December 2021, the Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 121 Manual of Standards (MOS) came into effect and included requirements for flight and cabin crew to be trained in rapid disembarkation procedures when converting to a new aircraft type and for cabin crew to be trained annually. Guidance material that included the definition of a rapid disembarkation was also released in Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (AMC/GM) Australian Air Transport – Larger Aeroplanes, CASR Part 121 v2.2.
In addition, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority produced guidance material in Cabin safety bulletin – 25 Emergency evacuation and occupant survivability in October 2021 that explained the difference between an evacuation and a rapid disembarkation and described the types of situations where this procedure may be appropriate to prevent unnecessary injury and avoid possible external hazards that may be present if needing to get out quickly at a terminal.
