"During the entire process, air traffic controllers commanded flight HO1112 to give way six times in the space of seven minutes, but the flight crew rejected this each time," said the CAAC.
The 777 eventually landed safely after air traffic controllers employed "other measures", the CAAC added.
Inspections of both aircraft after landing showed the 777 had a remaining fuel weight of 5,200kg (11,500lb) and a flying time of 18min. The Juneyao A320 had a fuel weight of 2,900kg and a flying time of 42min.
Calling the Juneyao flight crew's behaviour a "serious violation" of aviation regulations, the CAAC said the crew had violated the "career integrity" of pilots.
It said the flight crew of the Qatar 777 had acted appropriately, but the pilots had failed to gauge the aircraft's fuel levels accurately. The CAAC has referred the matter to the Qatari civil aviation authorities.
It seems the Qatar crew is not out of the woods yet. The CAAC has clearly forwarded the case to the Qatar DGCA for further review and possible actions against the crew. The Korean pilot has been banned from China indefinitely but the Korean CAA could also take action against the pilot if they hold a Korean license. I think most pilots would cringe at the prospect of their CAA doing another inspection. The Qatar crew might end up with license revocations or administrative punishment. Serious implications for all pilots operating in Chinese airspace to consider.
Last edited by WYOMINGPILOT; 12th Sep 2011 at 23:54.