To add to the above:
LOW-COST AIRLINE REPLACES FUEL PUMPS AFTER SAFETY ALERT
EasyJet is replacing fuel pumps in five of its Boeing 737 aircraft following a safety alert. The Federal Aviation Administration in the US is warning all operators of 737, 747 and 757 planes around the world amid fears that a type of pump could be faulty. Experts fear that wiring on pumps placed too near a rotor could chafe, producing sparks and igniting fumes from highly flammable aircraft fuel. The devices, which are located in the central fuel tank under the fuselage and also in wing tanks, were installed in January and April. A spokesman for Boeing in the UK says that a total of 118 aircraft worldwide have been identified as having the pumps installed: 93 are 737s, 17 747s and eight 757s. It was not known how many, if any, are used by UK airlines. No serious incidents have been reported yet but easyJet was one of three carriers to raise the alarm after a pilot complained of low pressure in a tank of one of its 18 737-700s. A statement from the Luton Airport-based company said: "easyJet returned a fuel pump from a Boeing 737-700 to the pump manufacturer in early August when it became unserviceable. The airline has yet to receive confirmation as to the cause of the problem. "Safety is the first priority at easyJet. As a result, a flight crew notice has been issued and the airline will be adhering to the terms of the FAA's directive and maintain minimum fuel levels in the centre fuel tanks to ensure that the fuel pump inlets remain immersed in fuel under all operating conditions." A bmi British Midland spokeswoman said: "It hasn't affected our fleet at all. No-one need be concerned." Charter airlines Britannia and Monarch said they too had checked their aircraft but were not affected.
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