KIERAN DALY / PARIS

Thales dismisses idea as “feasible” but “inadvisable”

European avionics leader Thales has come down firmly against the concept of controlling aircraft from the ground in the event of a hijacking, calling it “feasible” but “inadvisable”.

The notion has gained ground in the wake of 11 September’s US terror attacks, but Thales - which is arguably the best-placed European firm to work on the suggestion - is not enthusiastic.

Senior vice president of aerospace Francois Lureau suggests passengers would be reluctant to fly on aircraft if they knew they could be controlled from the ground.

“I feel that it is totally feasible, but there is a question whether it is advisable or acceptable. I do not think customers would easily accept that situation,” he says. “I think introducing those systems might add some additional vulnerabilities because if you are giving orders from the ground then it is possible for someone else from the

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