AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

*Vietnamese authorities have alleged that JETSTAR PACIFIC AIRLINES violated safety regulations, and have warned that its license could be revoked if it does not remedy the problems. "We have put Jetstar Pacific under special supervision. CAAV has sent engineers and instructed Airport authorities to supervise all flights of Jetstar Pacific. The top priority is to ensure safety for all flights," said the head of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. The CAAV's report found that there were several problems at the carrier, including those with the maintenance equipment, efficiency of the maintenance system and training of technicians. It said that it issued 5 maintenance-related fines to the carriers in 2008-2009 and recommended that "urgent" measures be implemented. Jetstar Pacific is 27% owned by Australia's QANTAS, while Vietnam's government owns the remaining 73%. Qantas today said that it remains confident in its investment in Jetstar Pacific and the Airline's maintenance and safety record.

*A SATENA Dornier D328 had to make an emegency return to Bucaramanga, Colombia, yesterday, January 13. Flight 9703, on Domestic Service to Cucuta, Colombia, reported problems with cabin pressurization while on their initial climb. The D328 landed back to Bucaramanga about 15 minutes later without incident. The Dornier has been removed from service for inspection and possible repairs.

*A TRANSAVIA Boeing 737 had to make an emergency return to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, yesterday, January 13, after suffering a tail strike on takeoff. Flight 663, on International Service to Las Palmas, CI, Spain, suffered the tail strike while taking off from runway 36L. The crew continued the takeoff and climbed to 29000 feet before requesting return. The 737 landed back at Amsterdam without incident about 1 hour after its initial departure. According to a brief statement from Transavia, the aircraft has been removed from service for repairs.

*An AIR BERLIN A330 had to make an emergency return to Nuremberg, Germany, on Monday, January 11. Flight 2214 was on International Service to Monastir, Tunisia, with 374 passengers and crew onboard. The crew requested return to Nuremberg while climbing thru 29000 feet, reporting problems with the cockpit instruments. After circling for about 2 hours, the A330 landed back at Nuremberg without incident, and was removed from service for inspection and repairs.

*A LIAT Dash 8-300 had to make an emergency return to Antigua, twice, on Sunday, January 10. Flight 771 was on International Service to St Lucia, with 25 passengers onboard, when the incidents took place. While on its 1st initial climb, the crew had to shut an engine down, and requested return to Antigua. The Dash landed back at Antigua without incident. Ground staff serviced the aircraft and cleared it to resume its flight to St Lucia. The aircraft departed once again, however the same events with the engine took place, prompting the crew to return for a 2nd time. Emergency Services were deployed for both returns. The Dash was then removed from service for a full inspection.