On 16th Oct, passengers on board Indonesia Air Asia flight from Perth, Australia to Bali experienced a state of panic.
First, it was announced a “technical issue” one hour after the aircraft took off. Then the aircraft rapidly descended tens of thousands of feet while the oxygen masks also dropped from the ceiling. Imagine if we had been in that flight, how terrified we would have felt!
To make the situation even more terrifying, the flight crew screamed, “emergency, emergency!” Now, you might have felt you were about to die.
Luckily, the flight returned back to Perth safely and no passengers were injured.
One passenger commented, after the staff screamed, the panic was escalated. Another said, We looked to them for reassurance and we didn’t get any. We were more worried because of how panicked they were.”
When I travelled and looked at all the young air crew members, especially after having listened to their voices, I often wondered if I could trust them in situations of emergency.
It is vital for airlines crew to train their voices, not just to sound pleasant and welcoming, but to sound composed and reassuring in times of emergency.
What’s the quick fix?
- Take a proper deep breath before you speak
- Slow down on purpose
In the long run, learn to develop a deeper voice that gives reassurance.
