Vuela has presented plans to address these impacts to ensure that the proposed project will, upon implementation of the specific agreed measures, operate in accordance with industry standards and comply with applicable Mexican laws and regulations and IFC environment and social requirements. The information about how these potential impacts will be addressed by the sponsor/project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.
- Flight Operations Safety and Security
Vuela has a flight safety and accident prevention program approved by the Mexican civil aviation authorities that also complies with the relevant requirements and standards of the U.S. FAA and ICAO. The company has a written safety and security policy that demonstrates a high level of commitment in this area. Pilots and all other employees receive extensive training in safe operations and accident avoidance.
All Vuela pilots undergo extensive training programs that meet or exceed FAA requirements. Required training is performed using simulators and flight instructors, and includes continuous and recurrent Controlled Flight into Terrain and Approach (CFIT-ALAR) and Crew Resource Management (CRM) trainings.
Other safety program components include: accident research; voluntary reporting system; incidents database; and an aviation safety committee.
As part of its safety program, Vuela will maintain a database that stores all accidents and incidents that occur during ground and flight operations. The data will include information on bird strikes, aircraft strikes, ground and air turn-backs, in-flight shutdowns, etc. When an event occurs, the flight safety department will investigate to determine the cause and if follow-up corrective action is needed to prevent reoccurrence, such as to revise pilot training programs, aircraft maintenance and the like.
- Maintenance-Related Hazardous Materials, Effluents, and Waste Management
For heavy airframe activities, Vuela will rely on TACA Airlines’ primary maintenance facility (Aeroman) at the San Salvador International Airport for its Airbus 319 fleet. Engine overhauling and APU repair will be subcontracted to the equipment manufacturers. With subcontracted third parties at some line stations, Vuela will perform line maintenance at its own facilities. Aeroman and Vuela’s maintenance operations are conducted according to the company’s Quality System, which specifies the organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, and resources necessary to conform to international rules, regulations and standards. Airbus recommended schedules are followed. The facilities have received all applicable and relevant environmental approvals and permissions required by the government environmental regulatory authorities.
Hazardous materials, such as paints, fuels, lubricants, solvents, hydraulic fluids, and other specialized chemical products, are classified according to their hazard characteristics, and appropriately stored in buildings and/or containers per recommendations from the respective manufacturer’s material data safety sheet (MSDS). Vuela and Aeroman have established written procedures for ensuring that the handling of all chemicals in their facilities – warehouse, hanger maintenance, line maintenance and shops – is conducted with a view toward the minimization of environmental and health risks.
Waste oils and used batteries are collected and temporarily stored in underground tanks prior to recycling offsite via licensed commercial contractors. Other wastes – empty containers, metal scrap, dirty rags – are appropriately disposed and/or recycled at government-licensed facilities in compliance with host country laws and requirements. Certain toxic and hazardous wastes are treated on-site to reduce their toxicity prior to disposal to minimize their environmental impact. Vuela and Aeroman have established specific written procedures for the proper handling, segregation, storage, and disposal of all solid and hazardous wastes generated at their facilities.
During the last three years, there have been no incidents or accidents involving releases of contaminants to the environment from the Vuela or Aeroman facilities.
- Dangerous Cargo Handling
From time to time, Vuela will carry goods characterized as dangerous cargo by the ICAO and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Limited to only certain types of dangerous cargoes on passenger flights, Vuela will operate in compliance with the conventions, technical instructions, and standards of these international organizations, as well as with the legal requirements of the countries in which they operate. The company has an organization and procedures in place to ensure compliance, including the performance of biennial audits of its cargo handling operations.
- Aircraft Noise and Emissions Control
Vuela’s Airbus fleet complies with noise guidelines and standards established by ICAO and FAA. New aircraft will also have better fuel efficiency, and thus generate reduced air emissions.
- Employee Health and Safety
Vuela has an active occupational health and safety program, which is documented in an Industrial Safety and Hygiene Manual. Areas of coverage include: workplace air quality and respiratory protection; workplace noise controls and hearing protection; ergonomic risks and hazards; prevention of contact with dangerous equipment and moving parts and electrical hazards. Appropriate personnel protective equipment is provided. Maintenance facilities are designed and operated to protect the health and safety of employees, and accident prevention procedures are in place. Personnel participate in extensive health and safety training programs, including emergency response and fire fighting.
