Aviation During the Pandemic: Crowdless Passengers and the Rise of Cargo in Passenger Airports

The aviation landscape has undergone a significant transformation since the advent of the global pandemic. Given the reduced passenger traffic, airlines have innovated to preserve their operations by repurposing their aircraft to transport cargo instead of passengers. While the FAA regulations provide a clear framework, the practical implementation varies widely. This article delves into the unique situation where cargo is carried in the passenger portion of the aircraft, exploring the FAA regulations and the conditions under which this is permissible.

FAA Regulations and Cargo Transport in Passenger Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines are quite clear: cargo can indeed be transported in the passenger section of an aircraft in the absence of passengers on a flight. However, specific safety measures must be adhered to. According to FAA Advisory Circular AC 121-27B, airlines must ensure that cargo is securely and properly installed to prevent any risk during flight. This includes securing containers to their seats with special straps to hold the bottom, middle, and top of the shipping container.

Cargo and Safety Monitoring in the Cabin

One of the operational challenges in transporting cargo in the passenger cabin is the necessity for a flight attendant. No, it is not optional. Flight attendants are required to monitor the cabin for any signs of fire. The cargo hold lacks both fire detection and suppression systems, which is why the presence of a flight attendant is essential. These personnel are trained to detect and address any anomalies that may arise, ensuring the safety of the cargo and the aircraft.

Common Practices and Real-Life Examples

Practical implementations have varied across airlines. Alaska Airlines is one of the pioneers in this approach. In Alaska, they use a temporary cosmetic bulkhead to separate the cabin area from the cargo hold. This setup is particularly seen on extended-range B737 aircraft, where the first 7-10 rows are designated for passengers, and the remaining space in the rear is utilized for cargo. This method has proven efficient in Alaska's rural operations, where the population density is low and mixed passenger-cargo flights are a norm.

A B777-300ER from Delta, a major airline carrier, is also part of the cargo transport fleet. According to Delta, the cargo hold of a B777 can accommodate approximately 100,000 pounds of cargo, more than that of a 747. This underscores the advantage of repurposing passenger aircraft for cargo transportation in the current economic downturn. Similarly, United and Delta employ their Boeing 777 aircraft to fly cargo internationally. This shift has been a strategic move to maintain operations and offset significant financial losses due to reduced passenger traffic.

Urgent Medical and Humanitarian Shipments

Certain medical emergencies, such as the need for corneas for transplant, often require immediate transportation. In such urgent situations, medical supplies, including transplants, might be transported in the cockpit. The captain will hand-deliver the urgent medical items to the receiving agent upon landing, underlining the priority and urgency of these shipments.

Practical Considerations and Challenges

The rules governing the transportation of cargo in the passenger compartment are the same regardless of the absence of passengers. This means that the standardized operational procedures that apply to flights with passengers are equally applicable when carrying cargo. Given the current economic landscape, some airlines have fully embraced this practice, while others maintain designated cargo aircraft for regular operations. These repurposed aircraft not only aid in maintaining workforce employment but also help in meeting the demand for freight transportation.