A320
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Company Policy
Another inoperative APU. I am up to eight now for this calendar year. Versus only three in eight years with [another company]. Why don't you understand how to maintain the Airbus properly?In this case the cabin temperature reached 86 degrees while we waited for a second air start cart after the first one did not work. This is not acceptable! Some passengers were sitting in this stifling heat for over thirty minutes; most notably the elderly passengers who pre-boarded. And they are the most susceptible to extreme temperatures. Being stuck in an aircraft cabin is not like being out in the desert where you get an occasional breeze; it's like being tossed into oven to cook!Additionally; the cross-bleed start checklist advises against single engine taxi operations if the APU generator is not available. Due to the confined gate/alley space this would have meant starting both engines at the gate and severely jeopardizing the safety of the ramp crew who would have had to work around the #2 engine while it was running at idle power. The most important breach of safety in this situation; today; is the go-minded attitude of the Company. There is no apparent regard for doing things right regardless of how long it takes to make the operation safe. Leaving on time regardless of the status of personnel and equipment; regardless of the risk to safety; regardless of the wellbeing of your passengers; is the only thing this company cares about.Stop making us fly around the county with broken APUs! This is not an acceptable way to treat people. This APU has been inoperative for four days! How can you possibly think that is acceptable behavior? Spend the money on maintenance before you kill someone!
A320 Captain reported that inoperative APU that was being deferred over a period of 4 days caused elderly passengers to suffer in 86 degree heat for 30 minutes; causing them extreme discomfort.