By Teddy Nwanunobi
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — Aero CEO, Capt. Ado Sanusi, has apologised to its esteemed passengers regarding the “smoke onboard” the flight NG316, about 45 minutes, after departed Port-Harcourt Airport in Rivers State.
The flight, which left Port-Harcourt on April 18, 2017, after it was cleared for departure at exactly 1608GMT, enroute Lagos, had 52 adults and one infant on board.
According to a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communications, Jude Nwauzor, Sanusi said that preliminary reports suspect that the smoke was from the baggage compartment, investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“At 1645 GMT, about 75NM to Lagos, and cruising at 24,00ft, the cabin crew observed that the cabin was misty.
“This was reported to the Captain, who promptly announced to passengers accordingly, but with firm assurances of safe landing in Lagos.
“Minutes, after that announcement, normal descent was initiated into Lagos, while descending, a passenger went into the lavatory, after which the lavatory smoke detector alarm came on.
“The cabin crew, again, reported this development to the Captain; the smoke got denser in the cabin.
“But the crew had “Aft Cargo Smoke” indication in the flight deck, they carried out the smoke dispersal procedures.
“They also contacted the air traffic control at exactly 1655GMT, requesting for emergency support services, and proceeded to Lagos, which is the airport with the full complement of emergency support.
“The cabin crew kept reassuring the passengers of their safety, and also handed out wet towels to them as a precautionary measure.
“Aside from that, the Captain also announced to the passengers to be calm since the smoke, in question, did not present any irritation or discomfort.
“The aircraft landed safely at 1703GMT without any incident, and the company engineers swung into action with the systems checks, and reported all normal.
“Even though the incident has been reported to the authorities, and preliminary reports suspecting that the smoke was from the baggage compartment, investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“We are known for our commitment to safety and professionalism in the industry, which we cannot compromise for anything, and therefore, sincerely regret any inconveniences this might have caused our esteemed passengers,” the statement read.