Airbus A320 Accident Update

Media release
23 January 2009

Airbus A320 Accident Update

Air New Zealand welcomes a bulletin from Airbus this morning reminding airlines of maintenance and flight check requirements following the A320 accident in France.

“We have been kept well informed on the investigation’s progress and I am pleased Airbus has issued this operational reminder as the investigation into the cause of the accident continues,” says Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe.

“Yesterday we confirmed the Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses (BEA) asked for specialists from Air New Zealand to return to France to assist them and I look forward to our people being able to provide the necessary assistance to move this investigation forward.”

Air New Zealand already follows the recommendations outlined in the Airbus bulletin and has not previously experienced any issues in relation to either of the requirements outlined.

“The bulletin from Airbus is a precautionary measure intended to remind operators of existing manufacturer recommendations. Safety is paramount and non negotiable for Air New Zealand and it is part of our normal operating procedures to always adhere to all manufacturer directives,” says Mr Fyfe.

“It is important and appropriate that Airbus issue this update, however it is just as important, as Airbus themselves state, that this information should not be taken as a pre-judgement of the outcome of the official investigations.

“As I have said previously, any speculation as to the outcome of that investigation into the flight operated by XL Airways of Germany would be premature and inappropriate.”

Air New Zealand’s fleet of A320 aircraft have completed more than 70,000 flights and carried more than eight million passengers since the first A320 was introduced four and a half years ago.

“Together with our world-class pilots and engineers we are very pleased with the performance of the fleet and wait patiently for the outcome of the investigations currently underway,” says Mr Fyfe.

ENDS

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