UK Airlines Bring In New Cockpit Safety Rules

New (KOSDAQ: 160550.KQ - news) safety rules have been introduced in the UK after 150 people on board the Germanwings Airbus A320 were killed when it crashed in the French Alps.

The UK's aviation regulator, the UK Civil Aviation Authority , has contacted all British airlines to get them to review all relevant procedures.

Here is a breakdown of how the safety rules affect different airlines:

:: Thomas Cook (Xetra: A0MR3W - news) , Thomson and easyJet - from Friday, all three are changing their safety procedures to ensure that two crew members are in the cockpit at all times.

:: Virgin Atlantic and Monarch - both airlines say that while a two crew policy has always been common practice, they are in the process of making this formal policy.

If a pilot or co-pilot needs to leave the cockpit for any reason then a cabin crew member will stand in.

:: Jet2 and Flybe - both carriers already implement a two people in the cockpit at all times policy, as does Ryanair.

:: British Airways - the airline has refused to comment on the policy of its cockpit manning levels. The airline has insisted it does not discuss security issues.