Seatbelts must work properly

This country still has to learn that the Customer is King. I refer to J. Turangan's letter in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 12.

Seatbelts functioning properly are IATA regulations and are vitally important for the safety of passengers on all aircraft. Especially during takeoff and landing it is a must to fasten seatbelts, and in the air pilots always remind passengers to keep their seatbelts on due to unexpected turbulence.

As far as safety is concerned, all passengers are entitled to seatbelts that are in working order because they pay for this privilege. It is the responsibility of the cabin crew to check this before takeoff and to see that all passengers -- economy or first class, it does not matter -- are safe and comfortable.

Without passengers or customers the airline goes bankrupt. It is also a known fact that presidents or general managers of any company or airline in Indonesia are always too busy to meet with the customer.

They should make time for this and listen to complaints in order to improve the service or safety of the customer.

Competition is severe nowadays and that safety belt failure is very damaging for airlines companies' reputation.

LYNNA VAN DER ZEE-OEHMKE, Bogor, West Java