Topic:Crisis Communication - Staying Clear of Turbulence
Synopsis:Air transport is the fastest growing transport mode and the safest.
Despite its good safety record, public perception of aviation is rarely rational. One single incident can ruin an airline’s reputation and call aviation regulation into question. Within minutes of the first reports, competing news channels have already made out the causes and culprits of an accident. The challenge for spokespersons of airlines, airports and aviation authorities is to encounter the media blitz with tact, factual information and clear answers to complex questions. Being prepared for a crisis is important any line of business. It is a matter of “make or break” in the aviation sector.
Against the background of a new debate about aviation safety in Europe this session, Daniel Holtgen looks at lessons learnt from recent air incidents and best practice in the sector.
Dr. Daniel Höltgen has been head of Communications at the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) since 2004. He previously worked as head of public relations in the German transport and housing ministry in Berlin and as spokesperson for the interior ministry. Daniel started his career as a journalist for European affairs in Brussels and holds a Ph.D. in economic geography from the University of Cambridge.
