Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) announced Sunday it will impose penalties on China Airlines (CAL) and Starlux Airlines, including specific crew members, following two serious procedural lapses that raised aviation safety concerns earlier this year.
The decision stems from two separate but significant aviation safety incidents:
- A China Airlines flight (CI753) that experienced an engine failure mid-flight and diverted improperly.
- A Starlux Airlines flight (JX789) where the flight crew failed to perform a mandatory go-around maneuver correctly during landing.
🛫 Incident 1: China Airlines Flight CI753 (April 3, 2024)
Flight Details:
- Route: Taipei (TPE) to Singapore (SIN)
- Aircraft: Airbus A330
- Incident: Mid-flight engine failure
Instead of landing at the nearest alternate airport (as international safety protocol typically mandates), the crew opted to return to Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), a longer and riskier diversion.
Though the CAA clarified that no regulations were directly violated, they emphasized that the decision reflected poor operational oversight and judgment by both the crew and airline management.
🔍 CAA Findings:
- No breach of mandatory diversion regulations.
- The decision compromised operational risk management best practices.
- CAL’s internal reporting system for in-flight emergencies was insufficient.
- Revised manuals have since been issued by CAL to improve procedural adherence.
🛬 Incident 2: Starlux Airlines Flight JX789 (March 3, 2024)
Flight Details:
- Route: Taipei to Clark International Airport (Philippines)
- Incident: Failure to correctly perform a go-around maneuver
Upon descending to land at Clark Airport, the pilots encountered a situation that required an immediate go-around. However, they deviated from approved go-around procedures, violating safety protocols and airline policy.
Starlux acknowledged the mistake and reported it voluntarily to the CAA. Following an internal review, the two pilots involved resigned, and the airline pledged reforms to its pilot training and reporting mechanisms.
🧾 Penalties and Implications
Under Taiwan’s aviation law:
- Pilots may be fined NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 (US$2,000 to US$10,000).
- Airlines may face fines of NT$600,000 to NT$3 million (US$20,000 to US$100,000).
Exact amounts will be decided following a CAA review committee hearing.
These incidents are now classified as serious procedural violations, though no injuries or damage occurred. The CAA emphasized that these reviews are critical to maintaining Taiwan’s global reputation for aviation safety.
✈️ Expert Analysis & Broader Context
The rise of Taiwan’s aviation sector—spurred by new international routes and competition among airlines—has brought with it increased scrutiny on safety culture and training standards.
In both cases, analysts point to weak internal communication systems, lapses in pilot situational awareness, and the growing complexity of airline operations as contributing factors.
Aviation safety consultant Jason Lin told Insight Taiwan:
“In modern commercial aviation, it’s no longer just about not crashing. It’s about making every decision—from engine shutdowns to approach landings—based on layered safety frameworks. Both incidents highlight breakdowns in those frameworks.”
Starlux, Taiwan’s youngest luxury airline, has often prided itself on rigorous standards. This incident could challenge that perception, unless transparency and reforms continue.
❓ FAQs
Why didn’t the CAL flight land at the nearest airport?
CAL cited operational assessments and aircraft control. However, experts argue the decision introduced avoidable risks.
What is a “go-around” procedure and why is it critical?
A go-around is an aborted landing approach due to unsafe conditions. Pilots are trained to follow strict steps to avoid collisions or crashes.
Are such pilot errors common?
They are rare in developed aviation systems like Taiwan’s. When they happen, they are subject to investigation and often result in retraining or penalties.
Will passengers be affected by these penalties?
No direct impact on travelers. However, the incidents will likely prompt enhanced pilot training and safety checks, which may improve overall service safety.
How is Taiwan’s aviation safety reputation globally?
Taiwan’s CAA is regarded as robust and proactive. These investigations reinforce that status, though the lapses point to areas of improvement.
