Aircraft Safety: According to the Gods

No wonder St Christopher was downgraded from the patron saint of travel. These days there is more direct means to invoke the gods to ensure on time and safer travel by air. Good for weary passengers but no so good for animals, or for that matter members of P.E.T.A.

Although Nepal seems a far and distant land, Nepal Airlines, the nation's airline has resurrected the notion that sacrificial offerings may be the key to appease the gods that according to the airline could be the reason why their service is so dismal.

According to a recent report by the B.B.C, Nepal Airlines having had technical problems with a Boeing 757 sacrificed two goats in front of the plane at Katmandu airport. The airline said that after the ceremony the plane completed a trouble free trip to Hong Kong. The offering was made to Akash Bhairab, the Hindu god of sky protection. It was a last resort for the airline who said that the persistent fault had led to the postponement of a number of flights in recent weeks.

Why don't we have a god of sky protection; or maybe one that will help on time performance? Hey it may make flying more bearable knowing that a god is on our side. So next time you are on the runway at Newark Airport and the captain says, "Ladies and Gentleman we are next in line for take off and once the blood of two goats hits the tarmac we will be on our way." Goat stew anyone!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/south_asia/6979292.stm

September 5th 2007.