American and Frontier Airlines Have Close Call at Boston’s Logan Airport
Two passenger planes narrowly escaped a potentially disastrous event when they clipped wings on the tarmac at Logan International Airport in Boston on Monday. The planes, operated by American Airlines and Frontier Airlines, were not in service at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported, according to airport officials. The close call has raised questions about ground safety procedures at the airport.
The incident occurred around 7:30 am during routine ground operations. The American Airlines Boeing 737 and the Frontier Airlines Airbus A320 were being moved by ground crews when their wingtips collided. Both planes sustained minor damages, but the incident had no impact on the airport’s operations or flight schedules.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. The FAA will be scrutinizing the ground handling procedures followed by both airlines as well as the airport’s safety measures. While such incidents are relatively rare, they pose a significant risk to aircraft and their passengers, and can result in extensive delays and costly repairs. 
FAA officials will be working closely with American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and the ground handling team to understand the sequence of events leading to the wingtip collision. They will also be reviewing CCTV footage to establish the exact timeline of the incident. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the airlines or the airport could face penalties for violating safety regulations.
Impact on Airlines
While the damage to the aircraft is minor, the incident poses a reputational challenge for both American Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Both airlines have emphasized their commitment to safety in the wake of the incident, with American Airlines releasing a statement saying, “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.”
Frontier Airlines echoed this sentiment, stating, “We take this incident very seriously and are fully cooperating with the FAA investigation. We will be conducting our own internal review to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.”
Such incidents can have significant financial implications for airlines, not only due to the cost of repairing the damaged aircraft but also the potential loss of customer confidence. However, both airlines have reassured passengers that they should not expect any disruptions to their travel plans as a result of this incident.
History of Incidents at Logan Airport
While the incident is unusual, it is not the first of its kind at Logan Airport. In 2011, two Delta planes clipped wings on the tarmac, and in 2017, an outbound JetBlue flight clipped an incoming plane. However, these incidents did not result in any injuries or significant damage to the aircraft. The airport has consistently ranked high in safety measures and protocols.
Logan Airport, which is owned and operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority, is one of the busiest in the United States, serving more than 42 million passengers in 2019. The airport has a strong safety record, and officials insist that they are dedicated to maintaining it. “We are committed to the highest safety standards and will work with the airlines and the FAA to ensure that this incident is thoroughly investigated,” a spokesperson for the airport said.
In conclusion, the recent incident has put a spotlight on ground safety procedures at airports. While the investigation is ongoing, it serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and procedures, not only in the air but also on the ground.
