QantasLink removes five Bombardier Q400s from service

AUSTRALIAN flag carrier Qantas has announced that five Bombardier Q400 aircraft flying for regional airline QantasLink have been removed from service following an inspection of a main landing gear component.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said QantasLink was cancelling some of its Sydney-Canberra Q400 services. "On the Sydney-Canberra route, Qantas is operating supplementary jet flights and using larger aircraft where possible," Mr Joyce said.

Mr Joyce said inspections and the withdrawal of the aircraft came after problems were reported by another unidentified Q400 operator overseas, and after discussions with the Canadian manufacturer.

"Our approach to this issue, which requires the replacement of a main landing gear fitting component, is consistent with Qantas' proactive, conservative and safety-first approach to every part of its operations," Mr Joyce said.

"The issue is not an immediate flight safety concern, but does need to be rectified before each aircraft can return to service. We have full confidence in the Q400, and the other 16 aircraft in the fleet remain in service."

Mr Joyce said the rectification work would be done with the close involvement of Montreal-based Bombardier and take around seven days for each aircraft.
(Source:www.schednet.com)