British Airways safety chief Mark Mannering-Smith admits vapours have the ability to ‘incapacitate’ flyers
BA slammed as it is revealed drop-down oxygen masks aren't sufficient protection from fumes in event of an emergency
A BRITISH Airways boss has admitted passengers and crew can be hurt by toxic fumes on flights.
And the airline has been criticised for failing to offer protection to travellers.
He said crew could wear smoke hoods — similar to gas masks — “regardless of customer perception”.
His comments were deleted, but had been saved by staff.
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Passengers do not have the same protection with their drop-down oxygen masks.
A senior British Airways insider said: “Oxygen comes from tanks in the hold.
Airlines such as BA have not publicly acknowledged an issue with “aerotoxic syndrome” for fear of big compensation claims.
Dee Passon, who has campaigned on the issue after being forced to retire as a BA flight attendant on health grounds, said 412 crew had died between 2006 and 2014, some in their 20s and 30s.
She does not suggest every death is due to aerotoxic syndrome but believes it is a factor.
She said: “BA knows fumes are happening but does not provide protection for their passengers.”
The Civil Aviation Authority says there are at least five fume events a week on UK flights.
BA said last night: “Our safety equipment and training exceed required industry standards.”