The Canadian government has moved quickly to change rules mandating that two members of a flight crew remain in the cockpit at all times.
The directive comes after a French prosecutor said Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz locked the captain out of the cockpit before intentionally bringing the plane down in the French Alps, killing all 150 on board.
Canadian Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt called for a new safety protocol to be implemented by all airlines.
“In light of reports, I will be issuing an interim order which would require two crew members be in the flight deck at all times to ensure the security of Canadian passengers,” said Raitt.
I have asked my officials to review all policies and procedures that may be applicable to ensure the safety and security of the travelling public.”
Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat said they would implement the rule change immediately.
US airlines have enforced this rule since the 9/11 attacks.
It requires another crew member – not necessarily a qualified pilot – to act as a replacement inside the cockpit.
Other airlines are quickly following suit, with European carriers Air Berlin, EasyJet and Norwegian Air applying a two-person cockpit rule.
Thomas Hesthammer, flight operations director with Norwegian Air said: “We have been discussing this for a long time, but this development has accelerated things.”
