Wednesday, 10 May 2005
SCHIPHOL - An aircraft of Turkish airline Onur air, which is being closely looked at by the Dutch Aviation Authorities (IVW), had to return to Schiphol late Tuesday night with engine problems. This was revealed by the IVW on Wednesday.
The aircraft encountered a malfunction in one of the engines shortly after take-off. The pilot returned immediately to the airport. All the passengers were unharmed.
An IVW inspector has been in contact with the airline throughout the evening, en in the end decided that the aircraft should stay on the ground. The engine needs a thorough inspection. The aircraft will not be allowed to leave until the IVW is satisfied that it is safe to do so.
Onur Air has been under close supervision by the IVW for a considerable period. The situation was getting better until last week, when the situation with the Turkish airline headed downwards again. Because of this the IVW is keeping a close eye on Onur Air. The Turkish authorities have been informed about the incident, and have been reprimanded for it. According to the IVW the airlines in Turkey are not being supervised properly.
The IVW is seriously concerned about small foreign low cost carriers like Onur air, Fly-air and Phuket air. The aircraft show too many defects and because of this similar airlines are being watched closely.
Only last week the IVW revoked the landing rights of the Thai airline Phuket Air. Several unacceptable shortcomings were found during various checks. The IVW took the far-reaching decision after consulting with the Thai aviation authorities. Until the Thai authorities are satisfied with the safety level at Phuket air, and have satisfied the IVW on this point, there shall be no flights by Phuket air to the Netherlands.
**** All errors in translation are mine! ****
Last edited by Jhieminga; 10th May 2005 at 14:53.