November 2011
Airlink is able to provide the following updated information on this evening’s landing incident at OR Tambo International Airport, involving its flight, SA8739.
“All of our passengers and crew are safe and are being counselled for trauma and distress. They will be accommodated in hotels tonight and arrangements are being made to get passengers to their destinations tomorrow,” explained Rodger Foster, Airlink CEO & Managing Director.
The aircraft involved was an Avro RJ85 regional jetliner, registration ZS-SSH. It was carrying 73 passengers and 4 crew. It was built by BAE Systems in the UK in 1996 and was first flown by Lufthansa before it was acquired by Airlink in October 2010. The aircraft is powered by four Textron LF507-1F jet engines.
The aircraft was current with its maintenance.
The flight crew was under the command of a Captain who had logged more than 6000 flight hours including more than 2000 flight hours on Avro RJ aircraft. He was assisted by a First Officer with more than 4000 flight hours and more than 2000 flight hours on the Avro RJ,
The flight departed OR Tambo International Airport at 19.10 this evening and was expected to land at Pietermaritzburg at 19.40.
The SA Civil Aviation Authority will conduct an investigation. Airlink will provide any support and assistance that the investigators require.
Further updates will be issued as information becomes available.
Issued by Airlink
Media contact:
Karin Murray, Airlink
Tel: 011 451 7335
karinmurray@flyairlink.com