June 30, 2024

Athens News

News in English from Greece

The French ruined our plane


Officials in the Greek aircraft repair industry have announced that a Canadair firefighting aircraft that was handed over to the French for maintenance has been returned with even more problems than it had and is now unable to fly…

Minister of Civil Defense Vasilis Kikilias does not miss the opportunity to take pictures and appear in front of the cameras with… a light beard of several days. This is the casual style in which most government officials are used to communicating when they need to show that they are pulling out all the stops and dealing with big problems that exist, such as fires, and doing everything to… save people, the publication writes. neostrategy.

But if what NAB unionists are complaining about is true, then the government's claims that the state apparatus is well prepared for this hot summer, which has lasted since June, are not only misleading, but also show that everything is in limbo . After all, if “responsible” people are not able to fulfill even the task of decent maintenance of firefighting aircraft, on which the “first response” to a fire is based, then what can we expect in other, more serious issues?

The problem becomes even more serious as it affects the safety of flights and pilots flying airplanes Canadair. And last year, as we all know, the country mourned the dead pilots, for whom a Hollywood-style “memorial” was set up in the courtyard of the Ministry of Defense, and government officials made tearful speeches. In words, they care about the personnel of the Armed Forces. But in reality?

Therefore, addressing the workers, the trade unionist ΕΑΒ said: “I want to ask civil and military leadershipand ΕΑΒ management: was the firefighting aircraft delivered? S/N 1060which the French company Sabena was supposed to supply to the Air Force during the firefighting season? Was it properly maintained in accordance with requirements?

“For the attention of all employees, this aircraft, after being maintained by Sabena technicians, is in worse condition than when it was delivered to Sabena. In the opinion of the maintenance team, the aircraft is so damaged that it will removed from operation for at least this year”.

He notes that usually the aircraft should be transferred to the Greek company EAB, which has experience and already serves Canadair, but by order from above (!) this is constantly being postponed. It claims that there are strange motives (kickbacks?) behind awarding the contract to a foreign company.

Moreover, the article states that those responsible are now stating that “all aircraft will be returned to EAV.” This doesn't tell us anything. We want to know the names of those who decided to send them abroad. We also demand higher man-hours and pay for EAV pilots. We will issue a press release detailing these issues so that all Greek taxpayers are aware of them and we await responses.”

It is necessary that Ministry of Defense and Civil Defense responded to these accusations. Especially since the fire season has begun in the country.



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