Australia’s biggest carrier Qantas is taking the bold step of removing life rafts from 38 planes that fly on domestic routes to cut down on fuel costs.
Life rafts will still be deployed on aircraft that fly over long stretches of water, the airline said.
"The majority of our Boeing 737s operate between Australian mainland cities and don’t fly over long stretches of water, so rafts simply aren’t required, even as a precaution," said Mike Plottel, head of safety.
"The simple rule of thumb is that all Qantas aircraft that need to carry life rafts, which is all of our international aircraft and about half of our B737s, will have them onboard," he added.
Some Qantas pilots and crew have criticised the policy but the Civil Aviation Safety Authority said it is in accordance with international rules and Australia’s air safety regulations.
Rival Virgin Australia is also considering a similar move on some of its planes.
Qantas is embarking on a major cost-cutting drive after posting a record A$2.84 billion loss this financial year.
