Northwest and GAC Successfully Conduct FAA Required Polar Certification Diversion Exercise.

On December 6th NWA and GAC conducted annual Polar diversion exercise into Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky, Russia.

The exercise involved two FAA POI inspectors, GAC President Mr. Edgar Vaynshteyn, and NWA dispatch, ops planning, and flight crew personnel. According to exercise scenario, NWA Detroit to Narita flight had to divert to PKC due to the smoke in a cabin. PKC airport was ready to accept the flight and all of the main communication means with PKC airport and ATC were checked. GAC representative, Nataliya Karnaukhova was on duty at PKC Ground Handling Control and displayed remarkable knowledge of diversion procedures and readiness. "Natalia was very instrumental in contributing to the success of our exercise. Thank you for your outstanding contribution" - was noted by the NWA Manager of Flight Procedures, 747-400, Jim Goodman. He graciously presented Natalia with the certificate. This again shows that GAC personnel is well prepared and jointly with its airline clients maintains high degree of readiness for emergency diversion into supported Russian and CIS airports.