Airlines

American Airlines Apologizes To Two Caribbean Prime Ministers Over Guyana Incident

American Airlines has issued a “sincere apology” to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his counterpart, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, after they became the latest high-level officials to be affected by the airline’s policy on leaving Guyana earlier this month.

The airline refused to let the two prime ministers check in through the VIP Lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, according to the Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two leaders were in Georgetown for the 2023 International Energy Conference and Exhibition (CJIA).

American Airlines Launch Flights to British Virgin Islands(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Guyana government had previously raised objections to American Airlines‘ stance against its own high-ranking government personnel, according to the Foreign Ministry, but to no effect.

The two prime ministers received letters from American Airlines’ Robert Wirick, the company’s managing director of international government affairs, on February 20. In the letters, Wirick expressed his “sincere regret for not promptly approving the request for expedited treatment and the inconvenience caused during your departure from Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport” (CJIA).

After flying from Guyana to Miami to connect with a trip to The Bahamas for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting, he wrote, “We deeply apologize that we fell short of your expectations.” American holds your connection with the people of Trinidad & Tobago in the highest regard. We’ll work hard to make sure all of your next flights with us are enjoyable and go above and beyond your expectations. American takes pride in giving our customers the respect and service they deserve. Please don’t be hesitant to get contact with me if you have any queries or issues,” Wirick wrote in the letter.

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Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.