Tech Failure: American Airlines iPad Glitch

Erik Bernstein crisis management, Crisis Prevention, Erik Bernstein, Jonathan Bernstein Leave a Comment

You need backup plans in place for when technology fails

Many organizations have looked to technology to lower costs and lighten the load, but they often seem surprised when that very technology encounters issues or just plain stops working.tech error

This was the case when iPad software used by American Airlines pilots to view flight plans ran into a bug that caused it to crash, temporarily grounding dozens of flights. eWeek’s Todd Weiss spoke with an airline rep who shed some light on just how much impact this issue had:

The app issue caused problems for about 24 American Airlines pilots on April 28 starting at about 8 p.m. EDT, and for another 50 pilots on the morning of April 29, Andrea Huguely, a spokesperson for the airline, told eWEEK.

The issue was resolved after some scrambling from the airline, but it did delay flights and cause concern among customers, two things airlines would much rather avoid.

Technology can help you clear hurdles, but it can also throw them in your path when you least expect it. Take advantage of it to be sure, but always keep a backup plan ready to deploy.

Erik & Jonathan Bernstein
www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com

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