Recommendations for changes, including enhanced satellite connections, are expected as soon as the fall. That is an unprecedented timetable because getting consensus for such sweeping efforts typically takes years instead of months. Everyone is “moving as fast as we possibly can,” said Ms. Graham.
On one red-hot topic, however, airline officials don’t support swift action. When it comes to making air-traffic-control transponders, satellite-messaging systems and other onboard communications gear tamper-proof, industry leaders seem opposed to major shifts. Since those proposals likely would entail significant costs—and could take planes out of service for extended periods—airlines increasingly question the need for the extra safeguards.
Almost from the first day the Boeing BA +1.03% 777 dropped off civilian radar screens, a team of international investigators has said deliberate action by some person or group on the plane turned off transponders and satellite links. Australian authorities reiterated that last month, concluding the autopilot was purposely engaged before the last several hours of flight.
Airline officials argue that actions by cockpit crews or passengers to disable aircraft communication systems have been so rare over the years that preventing such incidents simply doesn’t warrant massive retrofits or expensive redesign efforts.
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