Passengers and flight crew on an Air Niugini De Havilland Dash 8-300 aircraft flying from Port Moresby to Goroka yesterday Friday had to return to Port Moresby's Jackson's Airport after takeoff.
A passenger on board posted on social media upon returning to Jackson's a video and picture about the engine shutdown which prompted quite a few comments from the public being concerned.
The company says it was due to one engine being shutdown.
All crew and passengers were safe and the company has commended its flight crew for initiating the appropriate actions according to the standard operating procedure.
"The prompt and professional response of the airline crew, in accordance with established protocols, ensured the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew on board," Acting CEO Gary Seddon said in statement.
The flight crew performed an engine shutdown and having sufficiently reduced the landing weight by burning fuel in a holding pattern, safely returned the aircraft to Jackson's Airport.
The aircraft departing Port Moresby for Goroka at about 9.30am experienced a technical issue with the Left-Hand engine.
Air Niugini has assured the travelling public that passenger safety and well-being are their top priorities, and they would like to reassure their valued customers that all necessary precautions were taken to handle this situation.
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| Air Niugini's Boeng 767 jet among aircraft at Jackson's Airport Photo by Air Niugini |
Recently the national flag carrier has received criticisms from travelling public about flight delays and few safety queries.
The CEO Bruce Alabaster was recently terminated with an acting CEO Gary Seddon appointed.
The company had also recently announced its plans for refleeting.
Responding to concerns from travelling public about flight delays and safety concerns, the company had been active on its social media to spin critics perception about the company, promoting its engineering personnel experience, what they do and their safety track record.
Air Niugini says with the current engine shutdwon experience, its highly trained and experienced flight crew successfully managed the issue.
It is committed to adhering to the highest industry safety standards, and they have already commenced a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the engine issue, that necessitated the shutdown.
"We are working closely with the aircraft and engine supplier, and relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the engine issue.
Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon said: “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the crew members of PX160 who handled the situation with utmost professionalism and expertise, as well as our passengers for their understanding and cooperation during this unforeseen event.
"We are also thankful for the support and guidance provided by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and other relevant organizations.”
"Air Niugini remains dedicated to maintaining the highest level of safety and operational excellence across our fleet.
"We have robust safety management systems in place and will continue to prioritize the training and well-being of our crew members.
"Our passengers can continue to have confidence in Air Niugini as we uphold our commitment to delivering safe and reliable air travel," he said.
