wigstheone
Apr 6, 02, 8:05 am
James Pink, a Rochester business executive who frequently flies on JetBlue Airways, says he has no problem with being observed by hidden cameras.
"The safer they make the planes," Mr. Pink said, "the better it will be."
Earlier this week, JetBlue became the first airline to install tiny cameras in a passenger cabin. Most other American airlines are expected to follow in short order.
"The cabin camera surveillance system is the logical next step to protect our customers and crew," said David Neeleman, JetBlue's chief executive.
The hidden cameras will allow pilots to watch passengers on two cockpit screens. "If there was a disturbance back there," said Captain Lanny McAndrew, chief pilot for JetBlue, "they would be able to monitor the situation and land as soon as possible."
But Mitch Dresner, a New York business executive who is also a frequent flier, says the benefit of camera surveillance is not worth the intrusion. "I don't think it will make a difference," Mr. Dresner said. "The pilots have enough to do. It won't stop anybody from getting on the aircraft."
Putting cameras on board aircraft was a recommendation of a committee of airline industry executives and government officials after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. While there is no legal requirement to do so, 19 other airlines have already applied to the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to introduce the surveillance equipment on both domestic and international flights. The F.A.A. refused to say which airlines had applied.
But critics, while agreeing that surveillance cameras may provide added security, want assurances that passenger privacy rights will be protected.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/06/business/06WATC.html
"The safer they make the planes," Mr. Pink said, "the better it will be."
Earlier this week, JetBlue became the first airline to install tiny cameras in a passenger cabin. Most other American airlines are expected to follow in short order.
"The cabin camera surveillance system is the logical next step to protect our customers and crew," said David Neeleman, JetBlue's chief executive.
The hidden cameras will allow pilots to watch passengers on two cockpit screens. "If there was a disturbance back there," said Captain Lanny McAndrew, chief pilot for JetBlue, "they would be able to monitor the situation and land as soon as possible."
But Mitch Dresner, a New York business executive who is also a frequent flier, says the benefit of camera surveillance is not worth the intrusion. "I don't think it will make a difference," Mr. Dresner said. "The pilots have enough to do. It won't stop anybody from getting on the aircraft."
Putting cameras on board aircraft was a recommendation of a committee of airline industry executives and government officials after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. While there is no legal requirement to do so, 19 other airlines have already applied to the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to introduce the surveillance equipment on both domestic and international flights. The F.A.A. refused to say which airlines had applied.
But critics, while agreeing that surveillance cameras may provide added security, want assurances that passenger privacy rights will be protected.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/06/business/06WATC.html