INTERNAL investigations continue into the hard landing incident of one of Fiji Airways’ brand new A330 aircraft in Sydney, Australia last month.
And according to airline managing director and CEO Stefan Pichler, the result of the investigation would provide management an understanding of the events that led to the incident.
The aircraft, registration DQ-FJV, reportedly touched down hard during the landing on March 18 and received substantial damage to its undercarriage while landing at Kingsford-Smith International Airport.
“The internal investigation will have an independent view and will put all the facts on the table. We will then be able to get a clear picture and draw a management conclusion,” he said during a press conference in Suva last week.
“I’m expecting the final internal investigation (report) later this week (last week). As management, we will look at what happened, why it happened and lessons learnt. Once we’ve done that then we can share it.
“I think we have to be fair to everybody involved and don’t make conclusions or announcements if we don’t have the full facts.”
He said they were not able to ascertain the cost of damage to the aircraft, adding there were factors to consider such as insurance cover.
Mr Pichler commended the airline’s maintenance and engineering team for their effort in keeping disruptions to operations at a minimum during the setback.
“This incident occurred in the low season. It would have had more impact if it occurred during the high season.”
Mr Pichler earlier said the pilot of the flight had been stood down.
