ABSTRACT
The notion of vicarious liability in the common law of tort – whereby employers are held liable for the negligent acts of their servants if such acts are performed within the scope of their employment – also applies to private international air law aspects of liability. This chapter examines the rules of liability within the context of the professional conduct of airline cabin crew members and analyses principles of law that govern this specific area of liability. It explores the role of the flight attendant in air carrier liability, emphasizing general principles of air carrier liability as they revolve round the conduct of the flight attendant. The perceived lack of attention paid by the aviation community to the importance of the flight attendant’s safety role on commercial flights may pose serious problems in the area of air carrier liability, but it is heartening to note that there is a growing awareness of the importance of cabin crews.
