Statement On Qantas Flight 129

Statement on Qantas Flight 129

SYDNEY, 18 February 2010: Qantas today said an issue affecting the landing gear of the Airbus A330 operating its Sydney-Shanghai service (QF129) had not compromised the safety of the aircraft in any way.

Qantas Group Executive Government and Corporate Affairs, Mr David Epstein, said the captain of the aircraft was unable to fully retract its landing gear following take-off at 11:30am and subsequently had to burn fuel before returning to Sydney Airport.

The aircraft landed safely at 3pm, and passengers, baggage and cargo were transferred to a replacement aircraft for departure to Shanghai at 4:30pm. It is expected that the service will arrive in Shanghai five hours later than scheduled.

"The service was unable to continue to Shanghai because the drag on the landing gear would have resulted in fuel being burned in excess of the volume required to complete a non-stop flight," Mr Epstein said.

"Following procedure, the captain circled the aircraft over the Tasman Sea for approximately two hours in order to burn fuel and ensure that it was below its maximum landing weight.

"This was not an emergency situation or landing - at no stage was there any safety issue.

"Passengers were kept informed by the captain and a meal service provided.

"While we regret any inconvenience caused, our highest priority is the safety of our customers."

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q4019)

Media Enquiries:

Tom Woodward
T: 0424 245 265


Further information and media releases can be found at the Qantas website: qantas.com


SOURCE: Qantas