AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

*The executive chairman of THAI AIRWAYS has found himself at the center of controversy, after not paying the luggage fees and taxes that all other passengers have to pay. The Airline has launched a probe into allegations that executive chairman Wallop Bhukkanasut did not pay for approximately 260kg of excess luggage on a flight from Tokyo-Narita to Bangkok. "The investigation will focus on the people involved in this," said a Thai Airways spokeswoman, who adds: "This could be considered a loss incurred by the company." According to various media reports, Bhukkanasut and his wife allegedly failed to pay for the excess luggage, and also routed it through a special channel to avoid paying taxes and fees. The scandal has resulted in calls from the public for Bhukkanasut to resign. The findings of the inquiry are expected in 3 weeks. The carrier has been losing money, but is currently working on a financial turnaround plan.

*4 airliners had to divert, or make an emergency landing, over engine trouble since Friday. On December 18, SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES Flight 321 had to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, when the right hand engine on the MD90 had to be shut down due to an oil indication. The aircraft was removed from service for repairs. On December 19, SPICEJET Flight 282 had to make an emergency landing in Chennai, India, after the crew had to shut down the Boeing 737's left hand engine due to an overheat indication. That aircraft was also removed from service for repair. Also on December 19, TAM Flight 8802 had to divert to Porto Alegre, Brazil, when the crew had to shut down the left hand engine for unspecified problems. The A320 landed without incident and is currently undergoing repairs. Finally, on December 20, JAT AIRWAYS Flight 421 had to divert to Sofia, Bulgaria, after the right hand engine developed vibrations beyond operational limits. The Boeing 737 landed without incident and is undergoing inspection.