CebuPac justifies refusal to transport kidneys #philippines #aviation

BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific admitted refusing to transport a medical team carrying kidneys for transplant, saying it merely followed international regulations “meant to protect passengers’ health in case of any leakage.”

“The standards refer to packaging, labeling and carriage, with the latter specifically prohibiting the containers from being carried on the passengers’ laps,” it said in a statement.

Cebu Pacific said it was bound to strictly follow internationally prescribed regulations of the International Airline Transport Association (IATA) on the transport of human organs.

The medical team that brought the organs came from Cagayan de Oro and passed by Cebu City on the way to Legazpi, Albay before proceeding to Metro Manila, the airline said.

"Last August 28, the airline offered three passengers options on how to transport the human organs for transplant, in accordance with the airline’s safety regulations. The team was informed that Cebu Pacific can accommodate the human organs for transplant on the flight, through priority cargo.The passengers decided not to take the flight," the company said.

It added: "In response to news reports, [the] flight deck crew was aware of the urgency of the situation, and did not mention anything in reference to the smell or blood of the items carried. They acted in compliance with IATA-compliant procedures and Civil Aviation Regulations.” -- Aura Marie P. Dagcutan

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