A discussion about the increased pressure on the aviation industry to develop and implement higher ethical standards since the September 11 tragedies.
This paper addresses the subject of business ethics in the field of aviation, as well as emphasizes the effects of September 11 on the aviation industry. Through discussing the responsibilities each part of the aviation industry has toward air travel, this paper provides a clear analysis of why enhanced business ethics concerning safety and security are of utmost importance. The paper compares security features before September 11 with those after the tragedy, in an effort to determine how they have improved and what they are still lacking. In addition, it discusses the rights of aviation employees, shareholders and passengers to determine which security and business procedures are safe and which are invasive.
“Prior to Sept. 11, the Air Transport Association, a representative for major airlines, and the Regional Airline Association, a trade group for smaller carriers, published the main security guide for airlines. This Checkpoint Operations Guide was designed to implement Federal Aviation Administration security regulations.
However, prohibiting box cutters on airplanes was an industry requirement, not a government one. The FAA actually allowed airline passengers to carry blades less than four inches long before Sept. 11.
However, airlines often did not invest the time or money before Sept. 11 to check passengers completely. In addition, according to Rep. John Mica, chairman of the House Transportation subcommittee on aviation, the FAA did have strict guidelines for screening standards in place (Salant). This combination was a recipe for disaster.”