Virgin Pilot’s Union Response to Ethiopian Airlines tragedy

The Virgin Independent Pilots Association (VIPA), extends its condolences to the family and friends of the 149 passengers and 8 crew who lost their lives in yesterday’s Ethiopian Air accident.

The aircraft in yesterday’s accident which resulted in the loss of some 149 passengers and 8 crew was the latest model Boeing 737 MAX-8, the same type that was involved in the tragic Lion Air accident in August 2018. Under similar circumstances, the crew in the Lion Air accident appear to have lost control of the aircraft and where allegedly not notified of updated flight control software during the introduction of the new type to the airline.

VIPA does not wish to speculate between the apparent similarities of the two accidents and won’t

/Public Release.