Swissair shuts down in-flight systems

Swissair has disconnected the electronic in-flight entertainment systems on its three Boeing 747 and 15 MD11 planes after suspicions that they may be linked to the crash of flight 111 off the coast of Canada in September.

The system, based on touch sensitive screens, includes wires which run into the cockpit. It is believed that burning wires were partly responsible for the disaster, when smoke filled the cockpit. However, the airline insists the decision to disable the entertainment systems is just a precautionary measure.

Canada's Transportation Safety Board is continuing to investigate the causes of the tragedy. Some evidence of heat damage to wires in the cockpit area has been found.

According to a pilot's forum on the Web, smoke safety devices on passenger airlines are inadequate. Although masks and goggles offer some help, if the cockpit fills with smoke, the pilot cannot see the instruments or out of the windows.

Swissair said in a statement that the planes are also fitted with normal video and audio systems, which are not affected by the decision.