Safety Windows for Seaplanes

SIDNEY -- Viking Air has unveiled Canada's first emergency exit pop-out windows for seaplanes.

Saltspring Air is the first airline to install the $3000 windows designed for passengers to easily egress - or get out of the airplane in case of an accident.

Viking Air CEO David Curtis says all it takes is an equal and somewhat easy push with both hands on the corners of the window.

The Transportation Safety Board has been recommending pop out windows be installed since 1994. In November, six people were killed when they couldn't get out of a Beaver float plane that crashed near Saturna Island. The TSB ruled the crash survivable -- and says the doors of the plane jammed, so passengers couldn't get out.

Other airlines, including Pacific Coastal, Westcoast, and Harbour Air say they will also introduce the pop out windows to their fleet.

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