It turns out that an earlier mid-air medical emergency caused the delay in departure of the Air Asia flight from Kuching to Penang last night.
The plane, on an earlier flight from Penang to Kuching, was forced to divert to KLIA after a woman on board went into labour, according to a passenger.
She delivered on board, at the back of the aircraft, just as the plane was about to land in Sepang.
It is believed to be the first birth on board an Air Asia craft.
Thankfully, a doctor was on board and attended to the woman.
The airlines’ public relations could be improved. Passengers waiting in Kuching for the flight to Penang were kept in the dark. If they had been told that a medical emergency had caused the flight delay, perhaps they would have been more understanding.
The flight attendants handled the difficult situation well – though they were probably not trained for this sort of emergency. Naturally, they appeared a little shaken, according to the passenger, who said that passengers boarding at Kuching were asked not to sit at the rear of the plane.
Because of the airlines’ tight turnaround time and the diversion, the airline crew did not have the opportunity to thoroughly clean the back section of the plane before picking up passengers in Kuching. A pile of tissues could be seen in one corner – evidence of a hasty clean-up job.
The question is, did the airline violate any civil aviation rules in this episode?
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but makes me wonder again at our sense of gratitude…shouldn’t the doc be the one rewarded somehow? or does his professional code of ethics prohibit that?
the miracle of birth is a story, i guess…esp if it happens in extraordinary circumstances. but the hand that delivers it should get something, too. at the very least a clasp of gratitude.
now everyone can fly and now the baby can fly for life
Congratulation! Its the act of God that the baby can be safely delivered…..God work in wonders and string the fate of doctor to be there. AirAsia must have big heart, cherish this as good publicity and maybe give the baby free ride for life.
AA staff not trained to ensure that pregnant women in an advanced state of pregnancy do not board. If they missed her at counter, why did they miss her at boarding time? Inexperience and inadequate training.
Women in ADVANCED pregnancy shouldn’t fly. What if there is no doctor on board? What if there are complications like breech presentation, cord prolapse, dystocia – even the presence of a doctor without adequate back-up would not be able to save the baby.
There is an article in the airasia inflight magazine proclaming that it is safe to fly pregnant. I am sure they will pull out the the article now. huahahaha.
now everyone can fly.so what’s wrong with the pregnant lady flying.if air asia were to make ‘noise’ she can sue the airlines
Lucky,lucky,lucky mother and baby will get free travel on air asia for life
The conditions are as follows: Pregnant Passengers: It is the duty of pregnant passengers to advise us of the progress of their pregnancy at the point of booking of Seat and at the check-in counter. Our carriage of pregnant passengers are subject to the following conditions: a) Pregnancy up to 27 weeks (inclusive): we will accept without a doctor’s certificate subject to the passenger signing a Limited Liability Statement. b) Pregnancy between 28 weeks to 34 weeks (inclusive): passenger shall produce a doctor’s certificate confirming the number of weeks of pregnancy and that she is fit to travel which certificate… Read more »