Airbus

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    Sibir Airbus Hydraulics Failure

    What: S7 Sibir Airlines Airbus A319-100 en route from Perm to Moscow
    Where: Moscow
    When: Aug 6th 2010 19:47 Moscow time
    Who: 94 passengers
    Why: On landing approach, the Airbus hydraulics failed. The pilot managed a safe landing. Smoke from forest fires did not impair visibility.

    George’s Point of View

    No surprise to me. Details of the hydraulic issue might be of interest.

    I recall S7 Airlines Flight 778, an Airbus A310 with 193 passengers and 10 crew members aboard. On landing at Irkutsk , the airbus had a runway overrun. 124 people died when it crashed into the runway barrier.

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    Sao Jose do Rio: Tam Hits the Fence


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer BravoAlpha

    What: TAM Linhas Aereas Airbus A319-100 from Sao Paulo to Sao Jose do Rio
    Where: Sao Jose do Rio
    When: Aug 5th 2010
    Who: 137 people on board,
    Why: Before touching down, the crew reported technical problems. A hundred meters before the runway threshold, they landed onto grass, damaged a perimeter fence, and had a flat, but managed to taxi to the gate. There were no injuries. An alternate plane will be provided for the next leg of the journey.

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    Monarch Nails Emergency Landing in Birmingham


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Paul Markman

    What: Monarch Airlines Airbus A321-200 en route from Birmingham to Tenerife
    Where: Birmingham
    When: Aug 3rd 2010
    Who: 213 passengers
    Why: After takeoff from Birmingham (UK), the left engine made an explosive noise, and began streaming fire and smoke. The crew turned off the engine and made an announcement to the passengers that they were going to make an emergency landing.

    Although it was less than a quarter hour later that passengers were safely on the ground, they had plenty of time to be terrified. In an interview, a passenger told reporters that after the announcement the entire plane went silent except for the sobbing.

    A replacement plane was sent from Gatwick.

    George’s Point of View

    As traumatic as it must have been, any landing where you make it out alive, is a good landing.

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    Air Blue Black Box Recovered

    A six member committee will be investigating the crash of the Air Blue Airbus flight ED-202. 152 people on board the Airbus A321 aircraft were killed when it slammed into a hill on July 28. The black box and cockpit voice recorder which was in the tail of the plane was recovered in the wooded Margalla hills after a three day search by twenty rescuers who had been hampered by heavy rain and inaccessibility. Major accidents are investigated jointly by the international aviation community; and the box appears to be in adequate condition, soon to be decoded in either France or Germany.

    The box holds crucial details which will help determine the cause of the crash, and will be examined by international experts.

    Pilot Pervez Iqbal Chaudhry was 61 years old, and suffering from diabetes and hypertension, and possibly suffering fatigue if he had observed prayers of the holy day preceding the crash.

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    Swiss Airbus with Wonky Electrics Diverts to Shannon


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    Contact photographer Jens Breuer

    What: Swiss Airbus A340-300 en route from Miami to Zurich
    Where: Atlantic Ocean
    When: Jul 30th 2010
    Who: 227 passengers
    Why: Three/fourths of an hour out of Shannon, the flight developed various electrical problems with the circuit breakers affecting cabin lighting and the inflight entertainment system. With cabin lighting off, they diverted to Shannon, where the flight made a safe landing.

    Passengers were provided alternative flights, albeit not on several different planes.

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    Alitalia Bird Strike on Rumanian Runway


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    Contact photographer Szabo Gabor

    What: Alitalia Airbus A320-200 en route from Bucharest Romania to Rome
    Where: Bucharest
    When: Jul 31st 2010
    Who: 92 passengers
    Why: The Alitalia Airbus rejected takeoff after one engine ingested a hawk. The plane returned to the gate and after passengers disembarked, they were provided accommodations until the replacement flight takes off tomorrow.

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    Another AIRBUS smoke alarm


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    Contact photographer Malcolm J.Bezzina

    What: Lufthansa Airbus A340-300 en route from Frankfurt to Dallas
    Where: Frankfurt
    When: Jul 29th 2010
    Why: After takeoff, smoke was detected in the cockpit. The returned to Frankfort where they made a safe landing, by which time (less than a half hour later) the smoke was gone. A replacement flight was provided. The cause of the smoke has either not been determined or not been released.

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    Airblue Crash in Pakistan


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    Contact Gary Culpan

    On 28 July 2010 after taking off from Karachi at 0241 UTC (0741 PST)on a domestic flight to Islamabad, Airblue Flight 202 (AP-BJB), an Airbus A321, executed a circling approach for RWY-12 at Islamabad, crashed into the Margalla Hills nine and a half miles north-east of Islamabad apparently due to bad weather. One hundred and forty-six people were aboard, and six crew. One hundred forty-six passengers and all six crew members died. The plane was a total loss. It is the first fatal accident involving an Airbus A321 and Pakistan’s worst air disaster.

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    No Survivors in AirBlue Airbus Crash in Pakistan


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Richard Vandervord

    What: AirBlue Airbus A321-200 en route from Karachi to Islamabad Pakistan
    Where: Margalla Hills about 10nm north of Islamabad
    When: Jul 28th 2010
    Who: 146 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: While on approach to Islamabad in poor weather conditions during monsoon rain and low visibility, radio contact was lost (at 09:45) and the plane impacted the terrain.

    Helicopters flew into the mountainous area, which is difficult to access. Initial reports were that there were no survivors then helicopters were reported to have flown five survivors to hospitals. Six bodies have been recovered including the pilot but there are no survivors (in spite of the video report.)

    Video

    Airbus Press Release

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    Airbus Press Release: Airblue flight ED 202 accident in Islamabad

    First Release
    28 July 2010

    Airbus regrets to confirm that an Airbus A321 operated by airblue was involved in an accident shortly after 9.45 am local time. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service, Flight ED 202, from Karachi to Islamabad, Pakistan.

    The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under AP-BJB, was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 1218, initially delivered from the production line in 2000. The aircraft is leased to airblue in January 2006. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 34,000 flight hours in some 13,500 flights. It was powered by IAE V2533 engines. At this time no further factual information is available.

    In line with international convention, Airbus will provide full technical assistance to the Authorities of Pakistan, who will be responsible for the investigation into the accident.

    The A321 is a twin-engine single-aisle seating 185 passengers in a standard two-class configuration. The first A321 entered service in January 1994. To date, some 610 A321’s are in service with nearly 70 operators. The entire fleet has accumulated some 10.6 million flight hours in some 5.8 million flights. The A321 is part of the A320 Family which has achieved over 50 million take offs and landings since the first model, the A320, entered commercial service in 1988. Today, more than 4,300 aircraft are in operations to some 310 customers and operators worldwide.

    Airbus will make further factual information available as soon as the details have been confirmed.

    The concerns and sympathy of the Airbus employees go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident of Flight ED 202.

    * * *

    For further information, please contact:
    AIRBUS – MEDIA RELATIONS
    Tel.: (33) 05.61.93.10.00

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    Airbus Birdstrike


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Olaf Wagner

    What: Germanwings Airbus A319-100 en route from Stuttgart to Heraklion
    Where: Stuttgart
    When: Jul 25th 2010
    Why: After takeoff, the Airbus had a bird strike. The pilots returned to Stuttgart where they made a safe landing. A replacement jet was flown in for passengers. There’s no report of the damage, nor if the incident involved ingestion into the engine, or impact only.

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    Press Release: Virgin America To Order 40 Airbus Jets

    VIRGIN AMERICA SPREADS ITS WINGS: AIRLINE PLANS ORDER FOR 40 AIRBUS
    A320 AIRCRAFT, WITH OPTIONS FOR AN ADDITIONAL 20

    Award-Winning Airline to Triple Fleet Size with Order; Projects Growth from 28 Aircraft to 90 by 2016

    San Francisco – July 22, 2010 – Virgin America today announces it plans to order 40 new Airbus A320 aircraft, with options for 20 additional aircraft. The new aircraft would be delivered from 2013 through 2016 – with 10 firm orders per year on average, and options for 20 additional aircraft in 2017-2018. With today’s order of 40 new aircraft and growth from other sources, Virgin America’s fleet is projected to grow from its current 28 aircraft to 90 aircraft by 2016 – a compounded annual growth rate of 21.5 percent. David Cush, Virgin America President and CEO, and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, make the announcement of their memorandum of understanding today at the Farnborough International Airshow.

    “This MOU reflects confidence in our financial performance, business model and unique service. Despite the tough economic climate since our 2007 launch, Virgin America has experienced record growth, strong financial progress and a sweep of the major reader-based travel awards. At a time when most carriers are contracting and shedding jobs, we’re pleased to be growing and bringing our low-fare, innovative service into new markets,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “The low operating costs, cabin comfort and carbon-efficient design of our all new Airbus fleet will continue to fuel our growth and success in the North American market.”

    With the U.S. Department of Transportation’s approval of its new ownership structure in January 2010, Virgin America is focused on growth – with six additional aircraft entering its fleet this year and 12 additional aircraft planned in 2011. The airline currently has four aircraft for delivery in 2012 and expects to look for additional aircraft for 2012, in order to bridge its fleet growth to the new Airbus order starting in 2013. The airline currently serves 10 cities, with expansion to Orlando, at least one more U.S. city and two destinations in Mexico by this winter. The airline expects to grow by three to four additional new destinations a year from 2011-2016. The airline has created 1600 new jobs since its 2007 launch and intends to double its teammate base in the next three years. Virgin America continues to expand at its base of operations at San Francisco International Airport, as one of two anchor tenants in the airport’s new $383 million Silver LEED certified Terminal 2 facility – which is slated to open in 2011.

    “A repeat order from Virgin America – a U.S. airline growing quickly both in terms of its route network and its reputation for excellent service – is a great affirmation of the benefits of operating the A320 Family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are very pleased they have chosen to expand their reach with even more of our aircraft. Their investment in a state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient Airbus fleet will continue to give them a competitive advantage as they grow.”

    Virgin America is planning to benefit from the new, fuel-saving “Sharklet” option that is available beginning in late 2012 on A320 aircraft. Sharklets have been developed to enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 aircraft, resulting in at least 3.5 percent reduced fuel burn over longer sectors. Since its launch, Virgin America has operated a new Airbus A320 Family fleet that is up to 25% more fuel efficient than the average U.S. fleet. The airline has not yet announced its choice of engines for the additional aircraft.

    According to Airbus, each new order for Airbus aircraft means a direct boost to the U.S. economy. Airbus spends some 40 percent of its procurement budget with hundreds of suppliers in more than 40 U.S. states. In 2009 alone, Airbus spent more than $10 billion in the U.S. – more than it spent in procurement in any other country. Using U.S. Department of Commerce figures, that dollar amount translates into Airbus support of 180,000 American jobs.

    “Airline expansion drives job, travel and tourism growth – and is also a powerful indicator of overall economic health. When we enter new markets service improves and fares drop, so our growth into new cities stimulates demand as well as direct and indirect job growth,” added Cush.

    With outstanding service and inventive amenities, Virgin America has captured a loyal guest following since its launch. The airline offers beautifully designed mood-lit cabins, fleetwide WiFi and the most advanced touch-screen in-flight entertainment platform in the skies. The airline has captured the “Best Domestic Airline” title in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards every year since its 2007 launch.

    Virgin America reported its first quarterly operating profit in the third quarter of 2009 and is on track for projected full year operating profit in 2010. Virgin America has seen significant increases in traffic and bookings in the second quarter of 2010, with progress that has largely exceeded the overall positive trends for the industry year to date.

    The Airbus A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. More than 6,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to more than 310 customers and operators – making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world-wide standard wide-body system.

    Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto and Orlando (starting October 6, 2010).

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    Gulf Air Flight Diverts to Beirut


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Akin Diler

    What: Gulf Air Airbus A319-100 en route from Athens Greece to Bahrain
    Where: Beirut Lebanon Rafik Hariri International Airport
    When: Jul 20th 2010
    Who: 101 passengers
    Why: While en route at an altitude of 36000 feet, the plane developed a crack in the right windshield and diverted to Bahrain. They made a safe landing at 9:43 pm. Passengers are expecting at least a 24 hour delay.

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    Airbus Engine Failure in Sumatra


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    Contact photographer Aldo Bidini

    What: Batavia Airbus A320-200 en route from Pekanbaru to Jakarta Indonesia
    Where: Pekanbaru, Sumatra
    When: Jul 15th 2010
    Who: 179 passengers and 7 crew
    Why: While en route, the left engine emitted several big bangs. The engine was shut down and the crew returned to Pekanbaru Sumatra where they circled to burn off fuel before making a safe landing. 42 passengers returned their tickets, and the rest, held over because of a “night curfew”, were provided hotel accommodations and flew out on an alternative flight the next day.

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    GoAir Birdstrike


    Pictured: A GoAir Airbus A320-214
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Nisarg Vyas

    What: Go Air Airbus A320-200 en route from Indore to New Delhi
    Where: en route
    When: Jul 17th 2010
    Who: 134 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: While en route, the Go Air Airbus encountered a bird. The plane returned to Indore and made a safe landing. Mechanical damage occurred to the plane, although it is not noted exactly where, or if the bird was ingested in the engine.

    The flight was cancelled and passengers were rebooked.

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    Gulf Air Encounters Turbulence


    Pictured: A Gulf Air Airbus A330-243 over London
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Michael eaton

    What: Gulf Air Airbus 330 en route from Bahrain to the Philippines
    Where: en route over Vietnam
    When: July 12, 2010
    Who: ten injured: seven passengers and three cabin crew
    Why: While en route, the plane encountered what the crew described as “air pockets,” resulting in turbulence that jolted the plane. Some individuals were tossed out of their seats; others suffered contusions. Those injured were hospitalized on landing in the Philippines.

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    Early Stowaway Gets Free Ride to Hospital


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    Contact photographer Alexander Karmazin

    What: Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 en route from Frankfurt/Main to Denver
    Where: Winnipeg
    When: Jul 5 2010
    Who: 1 baby 7 weeks early
    Why: While en route from Frankfurt to Denver, one of the passengers decided to arrive ahead of schedule. The flight diverted to Winnipeg, but not before Denver resident Heather Randle of Denver delivered on board. Thankfully three doctors and a nurse were also aboard and able to attend. Mother and child were taken to Winnipeg hospital. The infant, Trudence Sophia Randle, is being held in a neonatal intensive care. The father was traveling separately.

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    Delta Diversion to Goose Bay


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    Contact photographer Bruno Bevivino – Roma Spotters Club

    What: Delta Airlines Airbus A330-200 en route from Portland, OR to Amsterdam
    Where: Atlantic Ocean
    When: Jul 6th 2010
    Who: 236 passengers
    Why: While en route south of Greenland, the plane’s pressurization system developed problems, and the pilot decided to divert to Goose Bay, landing safely at Goose Bay about an hour before their scheduled landing in Amsterdam. A replacement jet (Boeing) was provided for the passengers so that 22 hours later, they arrived in Amsterdam safely. The original Airbus was relegated to maintenance and repaired.

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    Air Canada Airbus Engine Surge


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    Contact photographer Mathias Henig

    What: Air Canada Airbus A330-300 en route from Calgary to London
    Where: Calgary
    When: Jul 6th 2010
    Why: On the runway, the pilot rejected takeoff because of an engine surge. The passengers were returned to the gate, and the plane taken for inspection. Passengers were provided an alternative Boeing 767-300 to complete the flight.

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    US Airways Cautionary Landing


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    Contact photographer Jay Selman – AirlinersGallery

    What: US Airways Airbus A330-200 en route from Paris to Charlotte, NC
    Where: Scotland
    When: Jul 4th 2010
    Why: While en route, the flight developed hydraulic issues and diverted to Manchester where it made a safe landing. However the plane was towed, and no mention is made (yet) of how the passengers were accommodated.

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    Traffic: Congonhas


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    Contact photographer Lorenzo Costa

    What: TAM Linhas Aereas Airbus A320-200 en route from Brasilia to Sao Paulo
    Where: Sao Paulo
    When: June 24 2010
    Who: 171 people on board
    Why: On approach to Congonhas, the pilot was notified of a flight leaving Congonhas, and had to maneuver according to ATC direction, then continued on to land at Congonhas. Meanwhile, one of the flight attendants landed on a passenger. No one was injured in either event.

    The plane causing the evasive maneuver was an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante.