Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has decried the sensational reporting of the incident involving Max Air flight that had emergency landing and suffered burst tyre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement, the airline body Vice President and Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, says, such exaggerated report creates unnecessary fears in the minds of the flying public.
According to him, such incident can happen to any airline.
“Today, an aircraft belonging to Max Air which took off from Yola Airport had a tyre burst on landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. No passenger or crew was hurt in the incident as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
While thanking God Almighty for His protection of all on board that aircraft, Onyema stressed that, in AON they decry the penchant for sensational reporting anytime such incident occurs.
“Tyre bursts occur now and then in the industry and has nothing to do with the airline’s safety standards. Such reports only tend to create unnecessary fears in the minds of the unsuspecting flying public and, as such, counter productive”.
The body also said that Max Air is a safe with good safety record and therefore should not be ridiculed because of this incident.
“AON states that Max Air is one of the safest airlines in the world and should not be ridiculed because of this incident. Tyre burst can happen to any airline in the world. We plead with the flying public to be mindful of the consequences of sensationalizing such occurrences in aviation, as it may be used by outsiders to affect the county’s rating.
“All Nigerian airlines are under a very strict oversight by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), hence no room for unsafe practices by any Nigerian airline. This tyre burst incident does not and, will never, detract from Max Air’s well-known safety standards”.
Earlier in a statement, the airline says, “On May 7th, 2023, a Max Air flight with 143 passengers and 01 infant on board, departing from Yola at around 14:05, was scheduled to arrive in Abuja at 15:00. However, the aircraft experienced two tire bursts on landing Abuja, and the emergency response team quickly responded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“We are pleased to report that all passengers and crew on board the aircraft are safe and sound. The airline has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the passengers are comfortable and are being taken care of during this time. They have been conveyed to the arrival terminal with their luggage and belongings”.
“The aircraft tires are being replaced and the aircraft will taxi to the ramp for further investigations before being released for future flights.
“The airline would like to extend its appreciation to the airport authorities, emergency services, and all relevant agencies who responded promptly and professionally to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board”.