Pursuant to information divulged by the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel, the entity representing Cabin Flight Personnel, TAP Portugal hereby clarifies that:
1. TAP views Flight Safety as a maximum priority, an internationally acknowledged ex-libris fact that has always merited the maximum attention of all those in positions of authority.
2. Different aspects associated with Flight Safety are periodically audited by Aeronautical Authorities and by independent licensed companies. TAP is one of the first companies to obtain IOSA certification (IATA Operational Safety Audit Program). This certification can only be obtained after proof of total compliance with the requirements stipulated regarding operational safety and must be revalidated every two years (the last time was in October 2006). It is also submitted to audits carried out in relation to this subject by INAC, EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration of the USA), along with other agencies.
3. All Cabin Flight Personnel undergo thorough training on on-board safety procedures as well as first-aid. Both course content and the training of the respective trainers have to be submitted for official approval by the relevant authorities.
4. SNPVAC refers to refresher courses in its statements, that is, the periodic revision of lessons already acquired. The approved content of these courses in the total number of topics specifically related to safety is 6 (six) hours. These refresher activities are held on a yearly basis without preventing any other supplementary information deemed important from being transmitted to all those interested.
5. Due to the elevated level of training of new Flight Assistants ab initio, the year the refresher program suffered a slight delay in terms of execution but will be fully complied with by the end of the year. TAP is able to guarantee that this in no way shall come to compromise passenger safety. TAP recognizes and trusts the knowledge and high level of professionalism of its Cabin Crews.
6. It is also finally worth clarifying that TAP and SNPVAC are currently in the middle of negotiations regarding wage rises, particularly difficult in the light of the income currently received by this professional class at TAP.
