Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Jacob Mosenda
Published on 2024-03-01 03:00:00
Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) Director General, Ladislaus Matindi, held a press conference on February 29, 2024, to address recent reports concerning an incident involving one of the company’s Airbus A220 aircraft. Mr. Matindi clarified that there was no fire in the engine during the incident, contrary to what some media outlets had reported.
He described the incident as minor and not requiring immediate public disclosure to avoid unnecessary panic. The incident occurred during a flight to Mbeya, where passengers reported a smell of smoke and smoke inside the cabin caused by an engine fault that had overheated. Despite the alarming situation, Mr. Matindi assured that there was no fire and the crew took swift safety measures to address the issue.
The captain decided to return the aircraft to Dar es Salaam for a safe landing, even though the aircraft could technically have continued the journey on one engine. Passengers were reassured and accommodated on another flight, with most of them agreeing to depart on the same day. Mr. Matindi emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers and aircraft are top priorities for Air Tanzania.
He refuted claims of panic and exaggerated accounts, affirming the airline’s commitment to transparency and passenger safety. Mr. Matindi highlighted that engine malfunctions can occur unexpectedly but it is the response to such incidents that truly matters. He also clarified that no passengers fainted on board the flight, contrary to media reports, questioning the validity of such claims without any need for medical attention post-landing.
The detailed clarification provided by Mr. Matindi aimed to reassure passengers and stakeholders, emphasizing the proactive and safety-focused approach of Air Tanzania Company Limited. He mentioned that the Airbus engine had recently undergone maintenance, further emphasizing the airline’s dedication to ensuring passenger comfort and safety at all times.
In conclusion, Mr. Matindi’s press conference sought to dispel misinformation and provide a transparent account of the incident involving the Airbus A220 aircraft. The swift response and safety measures taken by the crew reflected the airline’s commitment to passenger well-being and maintaining high safety standards. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of engine malfunctions and the critical importance of effective crisis management in the aviation industry.
Read the original article on The Citizen
