From Transport Canada's website:
=========
No. H099/01
For release August 24, 2001
TRANSPORT CANADA TAKES PRECAUTIONARY SAFETY MEASURES FOLLOWING AIR TRANSAT INCIDENT
OTTAWA - Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that Transport Canada has sent a Minister's observer and a team of specialists to the Azores Islands following the emergency landing of an Air Transat A330 aircraft en-route from Toronto to Lisbon. The team is comprised of specialists in the area of aircraft maintenance and operations.
In addition, Transport Canada has suspended Air Transat's Extended Range Twin Engine Operations authority effective immediately. The suspension will remain in effect until Transport Canada is satisfied that no safety deficiencies exist. This suspension will require Air Transat to alter overseas flights involving its three A330 aircraft so that they remain closer to suitable en-route airports between the point of departure and destination.
Transport Canada, as part of its regulatory program of comprehensive monitoring, inspections and audits on all air operators, will begin a special audit of Air Transat maintenance and operations immediately, as well as conduct increased surveillance of Air Transat's aviation program to ensure compliance with all Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Transport Canada's team will join representatives of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada who have already sent an accredited representative to the investigation. In accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Portuguese Authority is responsible for investigating this occurrence. Transport Canada will cooperate fully throughout the investigation and will take immediate action, as appropriate, should any regulatory or safety deficiencies be uncovered.
"We are grateful that this incident did not result in any serious injuries or loss of life," said Mr. Collenette. "While any occurrence of this nature is taken very seriously, Canada's aviation system continues to serve millions of passengers safely and efficiently every year. Transport Canada will take whatever action is required to protect the Canadian travelling public."
======
Since this was put out, I have been informed - but have been unable as yet to confirm - that Air Transat's A330s have been grounded following the crew saying that what happened was an "uncommanded fuel dump" and that they were unable to stop it.
If true, then surely other operators will have been notified of this extremely serious problem - anyone from Airtours, bmi british midland etc able to comment??