‘I’m used to celebrating Chinese New Year in the air’
Print Edition
YANG Minghao, a senior police air marshal, spent his Spring Festival on an early flight from Shanghai to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to help ensure the security of passengers.
The officer with China’s Air Marshal Command of China Eastern Airlines detachment began preparations hours ahead of takeoff.
“I’m used to celebrating Chinese New Year in the air with my colleagues and passengers,” Yang said.
He got up around 4am and gathered with other air marshals and crew members at 5am for the 7am flight MU5633 from Hongqiao International Airport.
Yang opened and checked the equipment in his hand luggage and then took part in a routine briefing with all the crew members. More than 100 passengers would board the plane.
He then got onboard the Airbus 320 90 minutes before the takeoff to inspect the security.
“My focus will be on the toilets, overhead lockers and the food and drink trolleys. Any suspicious items are removed,” Yang said.
Yang must avoid revealing his identity during the flight, but often walks the aisle to check on the behavior and demeanor of passengers.
He may appear to be a member of cabin crew or pose as a passenger, but is always alert to prevent any passenger from getting close to the cockpit, said Yang.
The air marshal also conducts checks for explosives on all passengers before they board. He uses a device that can detect explosives to brush clothes and hand luggage. Accompanying him is fellow air marshal Chu Yun.
Yang said that as air marshals cannot call on reinforcements, he and Chu must be ready to tackle all kinds of situations.
They receive special intensive training and each has acquired special fighting skills, said Yang.
“Although I can’t celebrate the festival with my family, taking passengers home safely is a source of great satisfaction to me,” he said.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
