A jet blast from a nearby aircraft has damaged one of the aircraft of United Nigeria Airlines, an Embraer 190, in a ground incident which occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,
Penpushing reports that management of the airline confirmed this in a travel advisory issued on Sunday, explaining that the incident involved one of its operating aircraft parked at the airport’s domestic terminal.
The statement, said the aircraft, an Embraer 190, had arrived from Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Flight UN0503 and was preparing for another scheduled trip when the incident occurred.
“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to inform its valued passengers and the general public of a ground incident involving one of its operating aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MM2), Lagos,” the statement read.
Penpushing further reports that the management explained that the aircraft was parked in an open bay between two other planes when multiple ground movements took place simultaneously.
“While preparations were ongoing to board passengers for another scheduled flight, a nearby aircraft, having completed its own boarding process, commenced taxiing. At the same time, another aircraft was executing a pushback onto the taxi line’, the statemen stated.
Penpushing also reports that the statement pointed out that the combined movements led to a powerful jet blast within the ramp area, adding that during these simultaneous ground movements, the taxiing aircraft manoeuvred in a manner that generated significant jet blast within the ramp area
The management of United Nigeria Airlines in the statement added that the force of the jet blast displaced ground equipment, which then struck the aircraft, stressing that the impact resulted in damage to external components, including the antenna and the forward fuselage area near the nose landing gear
“The force of the jet blast displaced a baggage trolley belonging to a ground handling company, which subsequently made contact with the United Nigeria Airlines aircraft’, the statement stated.
Penpushing reports that the management providing details of the damage, said critical external components of the aircraft were impacted, explaining that following the incident, it had taken immediate safety measures by grounding the aircraft for further checks.
“In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection before returning to operations’, the statement stated.
Penpushing further reports that the management, however, reassured passengers of its commitment to safety and operational standards, while acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the disruption.
“United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans,” the statement added.
Penpushing also reports that the management in the statement equally assured affected passengers that efforts were ongoing to minimise disruption and provide necessary support.
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