Enhancing consistently the safety of our airplanes on a continuous basis
Airbus, a global leader in the aviation industry, is not only focused on building safe aircraft but also on preventing accidents, aiming for a future where no accidents occur. This proactive approach extends beyond accidents involving their own aircraft, as they also consider safety recommendations from events involving other manufacturers.
At the heart of this mission is Florence Le Marchand, a renowned aeronautical engineer with a Master's degree in Mechanics. Le Marchand has spent 15 years at Airbus, starting as a subcontractor installing systems on the A400M, and rising through the ranks to her current position as the head of Safety Enhancement.
Le Marchand's role involves analyzing events and launching preventive actions to continually improve the safety of all Airbus aircraft and develop new safety enhancements with a "safety beyond standard" approach. She works closely with investigators to gather information and suggestions for safety improvement, and her team consistently surpasses certification requirements.
One example of Le Marchand's work can be seen in the review and improvement of radio altimeter data management following an accident involving another manufacturer. This proactive approach has contributed to a significant decrease in the number of serious accidents over the years.
Weekly safety risk analysis is conducted with engineering, maintenance, operations, and human performance specialists. Information for identifying areas for improvement is gathered from in-service events, Airbus customer support, engineering, and production lines.
Le Marchand's goal is to reduce operational risks further by developing and implementing safety enhancements that exceed regulatory certification standards. She collaborates closely with design, certification, and operational departments to integrate improvements seamlessly. Utilizing advanced simulation, testing, and validation techniques, the team verifies the effectiveness of safety measures.
The aviation industry is growing rapidly, with Airbus aircraft operating 40,000 flights a day, carrying more than two billion passengers annually. Despite this growth, the current fatal accident rate for the latest generation of aircraft is at an all-time low. This achievement is a testament to Airbus' commitment to safety and Le Marchand's leadership in the Safety Enhancement team.
Airbus also has a team of accident investigators who support ICAO Annex 13 activities in the unfortunate event of an accident. However, the specific key focus areas and methods used by Le Marchand's team to improve aircraft safety beyond certification requirements remain undisclosed.
For confirmed and specific details on Airbus's Safety Enhancement team and Florence Le Marchand's role, consulting Airbus's official communications or industry publications specializing in aerospace safety would be recommended.
Despite the lack of direct information, it is clear that Le Marchand and her team are dedicated to making the skies safer for all. Their focus on proactive risk identification, safety enhancement development, and collaboration across departments is a shining example of Airbus' commitment to safety and innovation.
