sa airlink media bulletin # 3 issued 7 december 2009 20h00
Airlink – Media Bulletin #3 issued 07 December 2009 20.00
INCIDENT INVOLVING SA8625 AT GEORGE
Following updates earlier bulletins:
JOHANNESBURG - Airlink regrets to confirm that its flight, SA8625, was involved in a landing incident at George Airport this morning.
The flight was operated by a 37-seat twin-engined Embraer 135 jetliner, which aquaplaned off the runway shortly after touch down.
All 30 passengers and 3 crew onboard were safely evacuated from the aircraft.
Although no-one was injured, seven passengers and the crew were taken to the George Medi-Clinic for observation. They were all discharged by mid-afternoon.
“On behalf of Airlink, I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies to the passengers who were on the aircraft and to those who have been inconvenienced by the knock-on effect to schedules today,” said Airlink CEO & Managing Director, Rodger Foster.
Airlink is assisting the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s (SACAA) air accident investigation unit, which is leading the probe into today’s incident. The investigation will consider all of the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the weather, condition of the runway surface, the pilots’ proficiency and the operational and service record of the aircraft.
“Airlink is one hundred percent focused and committed to the safety of its passengers, crews and aircraft. Airlink was one of the first African airlines to voluntarily submit to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) operational safety audit system. It passed both of the audits that it has undergone to date. In addition, Airlink is an accredited airline with the SACAA,” explained Mr Foster.
“We are also cooperating with the SACAA’s in its latest audit of our operational, maintenance, training and recruiting procedures and processes. While we are confident that Airlink complies to international regulation and best practice, we will of course implement any remedial measures which the SACAA or IATA might in future prescribe,” he added.
Issued for Airlink
Media contact:
Karin Murray
Tel: 011 451 7300