>> U.S. aircraft problems prompt scrutiny in Vietnam
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has called on Vietnam to scrutinise certain aircraft, which were manufactured by the U.S.
For all Boeing 737-300, 737-400 and 737-500, inspection is compulsory, the FAA said.
Jestar Pacific is the only airline in Vietnam that has been operating these aircraft, which were manufactured by the U.S. between 1992 and 1996.
An official of Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) said Jestar Pacific would complete these inspections in the next five days.
Any problems found will be reported to FAA immediately for further guidance, he noted.
As of morning April 7, Jeststar began checking the exterior of two aircraft upon the FAA’s request.
“We often carry out regular maintenance for our fleet to ensure safe flights. But we are also responsible for conducting these checkups to comply with the safety standards,” an official of Jestar Pacific said.
Over the past few days, five U.S. aircrafts of Boeing 737 - 300 and Airbus A320 were forced to land unexpectedly because of various in-flight problems.
Jestar Pacific checking their planes
Southwest Airlines mechanics work near a Boeing 737 on a tarmac in Yuma, Ariz., on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, after patching a large hole in the jetliner that made an emergency landing in southwestern Arizona last week. (AP)
