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Latvia's airBaltic to toughen security after Germanwings crash

Xinhua, March 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Latvian national carrier airBaltic is set to toughen security requirements in the wake of the crash of the Germanwings plane, which is thought to be deliberately caused by one of its pilots, airBaltic said.

According to airBaltic vice-president for corporate communication Janis Vanags, in the future airBaltic will require at least two people in the cockpit at all times on its flights.

The airBaltic vice-president stressed that security is the company's priority.

"AirBaltic, which has been closely following events related to the Germanwhings crash, is one of the first carriers in the world to decide that there will be two people in the cockpit at all times," said Vanags.

"It means that if a pilot needs to exit the cockpit, he is replaced there by one of crew members, ensuring that there are two people in the cockpit," said Vanags.

He noted that the company is now taking all the necessary measures to implement the decision in a matter of hours.

A total of 144 passengers and six crew members were onboard the Germanwings plane. No survivors are expected in the crash. Endit