Bad Week for QANTAS?

[newswatcher]

As if the report wasn't embarrassing enough, now this:

Qantas Airways Ltd. said Thursday(26/4) it is investigating what caused two panels to fall off the engine of a Boeing 747-400 Tuesday before takeoff, after which it flew to the U.S without the parts.

Qantas Executive General Manager David Forsyth said flight QF7 took off from Sydney airport Tuesday, unaware that the panels had come off, and landed hours later in Los Angeles without incident. Safety wasn't compromised, he said.

"The dislodged panels, which cover the core of the engine and streamline the air in the engine, did not affect the safe operation of the aircraft," Forsyth said.

The panels, each about one meter across, were found later in grass next to the runway.

"The flight crew received no indication the panels had dislodged from the aircraft which operated normally to Los Angeles."

The flight was carrying 162 passengers and an undisclosed number of crew.

Forsyth said the engine manufacturer had experienced the problem before and is working on modifications."

[togaroo]

Yeah good one - stick the boot in.

Ansett in problems, Qantas not turning a trick, ImPULSE quoted as not having one. Surely the travelling Australian public would prefer a healthy and booming Australian aviation industry promoting cheaper fares and better quality service. Or is it easier to mow those tall poppies down - lest we forget when its all gone - a homegrown industry providing jobs and revenue for Australians soon to be diluted.

But then again this is the real world and 'nice' stories dont sell newspapers.

My apologies to those who may be sensitive to the ANZAC day reference, but its rather a poignent time to think about the past and consider what might be the future for the Australian Aviation industry - this is a turning point and I'm not convinced that everyone will come out of this.

What happened to a pride?

thanks for the post newswathcher - nothing personal against you - rather another journalistic story wasting ink on the page.

[newswatcher]

Hi Togaroo,

I was more intrigued by the "alleged" response from the Qantas spokesman.

These two panels, given as 1 metre across, had dropped off. Since no weight is given I don't know how dangerous this could have been, but the response was one of "it doesn't matter". Apparently there was not a safety issue, and the manufacturer knew about the problem and was working on a fix. Is it fortunate that they didn't land on a populated area?

I guess I was also wondering whether this was a maintenance issue - were the screws tightened properly?

Qantas was incidental to this, I would have posted if it had been another carrier.

[Diesel Fitter]

I assume togaroo you are aware though, that it's been good old Qantas itself "sticking the boot" into the locals and practically falling over itself for some time in an effort to reduce it's present Oz ownership levels.

"Diluted" indeed Togaroo. Good choice of words.

[woxof]

I'm curious what the overburn might be on such an item.
The parts might not be a big deal, but the air they are designed to deflect could cause a serious burn problem 10+ hours into the flight.

[lame]

Good on Qantas, obviously trying to take some of the flak away from Ansett ???

Not to mention the bad publicity they have received, although it is probably NOT their fault, over Qantas NZ....


------------------
"I USED to be a PPRuNaholic, but now I'm CURED"

[lame]

Their week just got a whole lot BETTER......

Just taken over Impulse Airlines......



------------------
"I USED to be a PPRuNaholic, but now I'm CURED"

[jandals]

Qantas are now also operating in N.Z. domestic routes. And currently in a price war with the air nz subsidery freedom air. My it has been a big week for them. Not to mention the fact that Virgin blue missed out on getting the nod to fly in N.Z. for at least 3 months. Which smacks of government backhanders.