The Vulnerability of the Aviation Industry - Essay Example

The recent disappearance of a Malaysian airplane has created fears about the safety of the aviation industry. The sector has remained to be one of the major drivers of the world economy; hence, its importance cannot be overemphasized. Mechanical and personal errors have resulted in the occurrence of several incidences across the world. In January 2013, malfunctioning lithium batteries caused a great delay for over fifty Dreamliner airplanes across the world. Despite modifications of the batteries, an incident occurred at London Heathrow Airport where an Ethiopian Airlines Dreamliner caught fire having a related incident.

On the other hand, changing weather patterns have adversely affected the efficiency of air transport in quite a number of scenarios. The aviation sector presents a myriad of benefits Importance that is adversely affected in case of accidents and other incidents. Transportation of goods and people fast and conveniently is the major importance of the aviation industry. Multibillion-dollar businesses are transacted annually courtesy of the aviation sector. In addition, the sector provides a myriad of employment opportunities for a wide range of professionals.

In addition, tourism has greatly been boosted courtesy of the aviation industry. Despite these benefits, there have been issues that have greatly affected the sector and require a keen analysis. The industry has been targeted for the terrorism activities leading to destructive incidences such as the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre and the Twin Towers in the United States.

Heathrow Airport and its Affiliated Incidents

            Being one of the largest airports in the region, Heathrow Airport is very vital to the aviation sector in the UK. It has a great influence over a number of stakeholders, including the airlines such as British Airlines. The London Heathrow Airport has been under constant development since its launch in 1946, the latest development being the development of terminal 5.

            Started as London Airport in 1946, the airport is the largest by passenger traffic across Europe. In 2012, the airport was reported to be the third busiest all across the world. Currently, a private company, Heathrow Airport Holdings, runs the airport. The Airport has two runways and five terminals through it are in the process of developing the sixth terminal as well as the third runaway. This will ensure that the airport gains a greater reputation. It is located to the west of central London. The weather conditions of London have caused disruptions in flight schedules among other airport-related incidences.

            Weather conditions have adversely affected operations at Heathrow Airport. In some instances, visibility has become a major issue of concern hence reducing the capacity of the airport crew to execute their functions well. Although bad weather normally interrupts flights at various airports around the world, anyone that occurs in Europe usually has a great impact on various flight operations at Heathrow Airport. For instance, the latest bad weather at Heathrow Airport that occurred on 23 December 2013 left thousands of passengers stranded with others openly expressing their discontent with the manner in which the airport crew was handling the situation. While the aviation industry is one of the most dynamic in terms of operations, geographical coverage, and type of business, it is not true to suggest that the industry is invincible. More often than not, the occurrence of bad weather has devastating effects on the individual airlines, air cargo, and the airport itself