The airline industry is gaining some ground in its battle to
reassure the public over the safety of air travel, according to an
exclusive NOP survey for PRWeek.
However, more work is needed particularly in convincing young and female
travellers that the skies are safe.
While 67 per cent of respondents said they felt as safe if not safer
travelling now as they did last year, only 57 per cent believe the
industry had done enough to reassure passengers.
The survey shows that 39 per cent of women feel less safe travelling
today compared with a year ago, as opposed to 26 per cent of men.
Similar differences (39 per cent to 27) apply between the 15 to
34-year-old age group and the over-55s.
British Airways is undertaking a major PR push to reassure customers of
airline safety and meet their desire for improved safety measures,
particularly reinforcements to cockpit doors.
It has also started a consultation programme with passengers aimed at
linking patterns in future demand with specific safety concerns.
Aerospace giant Boeing has appointed Harrison Cowley as the first
agency to cover all seven of its UK divisions, hinting that it may look
to take on public affairs support next year.
Vice-president international communications Matthew de la Haye said:
'That is an area where I can see further help being of great
benefit.'
- Leader, p12.
