CEO lauds ‘singing’ crew amid disaster Vijay47: From the moment it was learned that one of his planes was missing, AirAsia chief Tony Fernandez went to where he was most needed – with the families of the victims and with those entrusted to find QZ8501.He did not perch in some palace in Kuala Lumpur but instead flew to Singapore and Surabaya, rendering invaluable comfort, assurance, and hope to those family members at a time they so sorely needed something to hold on to.No excuses, no waiting for the dust to settle for a convenient time to show his face, no distancing himself from an ‘Indonesian’ tragedy, this CEO of the AirAsia group took it upon himself to help in every way he and his team could.

Both this CEO and a prime minister expressed the same sentiments of anxiety and grief for those under their care. One received universal support and admiration, the other widespread contempt and derision.

The huge chasm between the public’s responses reveals how each of them is viewed.

Progressive: Even though it is too early to tell what caused the crash – taking ownership, apologising, being in the thick of the tragedy, pulling all AirAsia resources to confront this crisis and putting on a humane face to it is what leadership is all about.

Tony has passed with flying colors. But all said, this is not the time to talk about this. Our hearts are shattered by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the next of kin. Stay strong, please.

Negarawan: It is not only premature but highly awkward to throw accolades at Tony, although he is on the ground during the crisis.

Precious and innocent lives have been lost, entire families wiped out, and family members are going through very tough times and untold grief. Too many questions still remain unanswered as to the reasons for the crash.

AirAsia, as well as many other regional airlines, have grown at a rapid pace, enlarging their fleet from just a few planes to hundreds in just a few years.

This rapid growth is undoubtedly causing a lot of stress in the aviation system in the region, including air traffic control, proper pilot and maintenance crew training, and safety monitoring.

With the unprecedented number of fatal crashes involving Malaysian-linked aircraft, the safety record is seriously in question.
For instance, it was reported by Bloomberg that AirAsia pilots made many complaints about the condition of their aircraft but they were not attended to by the management. This needs serious investigation.

Fire_Rock: Negarawan, defects on the aircraft could be raised and duly documented in the technical log book in the MR1 section by the pilots before or after a flight.

The engineers in turn will have to rectify the defect before they can sign off the aircraft as serviceable; bearing in mind the respective engineer has his professional licence at stake.

This procedure is very well regulated in the Malaysian aviation industry. The issues of management not attending to the complaints of pilots are just plain garbage.

Haveagreatday: It is good indeed to put on a brave front and soldier on in the midst of the QZ8501 disaster. It is also good that Tony is giving a human face and hands-on approach to the grieving family and friends of passengers on board.

Yet, I do wonder if singing crews on AirAsia flights are good and appropriate in light of the sadness and gloom the families and friends must be experiencing.

Pemerhati: Indeed, this tweet by Tony about everyone being happy and the crew singing during the flight to Bali when the people in Indonesia are grieving, does not sound quite right.

RR: Tony Fernandes has been very humane and compassionate. He handled the situation very well.

Air disaster rarely happens. Sometimes man, however clever, cannot win against nature’s violence. Any pilot would have done his utmost to save the lives of hundreds besides his own. But nature’s severe hailstorm puts to test even the best pilot.

Some say it is destiny, fate, karma, etc. The easiest for many is to blame God for cruelty. May the souls of all deceased be blessed and rest in peace.

Rubystar_4037: My salutation to Tony. In these trying times you have shown exemplary leadership, a caring attitude and expertise in organisation skill.

And these you also attributed to all your staff members who are there with you. An airplane crash with many people abroad is an unmitigated disaster, but what has happened has happened and it is at these times that the CEO shows his mettle by handling it well.

I have been on AirAsia flight on many occasions and I find that the staff who manned the operation including ground crew and air crew are all well trained and courteous.

Yahoo: Yesterday, CNN briefly mentioned how well Tony Fernandes had overseen this tragedy and how he worded his sympathy to the victims, as compared to the poor handling of the Malaysian government in the MH370 mishap.

Every Vote Counts: Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to all families and friends of the passengers and crew of QZ8501.

---

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakinisubscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.

These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakinisubscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.