Heightened enforcement of dangerous goods transport on passenger aircraft, is causing airlines to deny transport for dangerous goods. While some European airlines did ban light gauge steel drums due to inflight incidents, no dangerous goods mandate was ever issued. However, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has aggressively increased their financial penalties for violation of safe transit practices. While the Value-Jet incident in which 110 people died, did lead to a $3 million fine against the Company, greater fines are now being given even before a fatal incident occurs. In December 1999, American Airlines received a fine of $8 million for accepting an illegal shipment in 1997. A 500 pound drum of toxic pesticide broke open at loading and resulted in the evacuation of passengers from the aircraft at Miami International Airport. As of 1 November 1999, Northwest Airlines will no longer accept commercially tendered hazardous materials aboard their passenger aircraft. This freight will only be transported on Northwest‘s all-cargo planes. The result of this change in venue could lead to slower transit times for dangerous goods, and the loss of revenue will most likely be offset with passenger fare increases.
DOT/UN