Mid-air crisis :Fastjet Embraer develops fault , cancels Vic Falls flight and lands in Bulawayo

Harare – THERE was a mid-air crisis last Friday when a Fastjet bird developed a technical fault forcing the plane to land in Bulawayo, cancelling the trip to Victoria Falls.

The incident last Friday makes it a second technical fault at the airline after another incident mid-November.

Sources who were inside the plane to Victoria Falls told Express Mail Zim developed a fault mid-air before the pilot landed safely in Bulawayo despite the technical mishap.

The plane could not proceed to Victoria Falls as scheduled leaving passengers stranded.

“One of our Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft experienced a technical fault while on the ground in Bulawayo which resulted in the disruption of our services and there was no impact on the safety of our passengers and crew,” Nunurai Ndawana, Fastjet spokesman in Zimbabwe said in a statement.

“Fastjet apologises for the inconvenience caused by delays and rescheduled flights across our network. These disruptions are a result of unforeseen aircraft maintenance requirements.”

Ndawana said Fastjet will in the future minimise flight disruptions due to technical faults.

“We understand how important travel plans are and deeply regret the impact this may have on affected customers. Our teams are working diligently to minimise disruptions and provide updated schedules and alternative arrangements as quickly as possible,” Ndawana added.

“The safety of our customers and staff is always our top priority and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst we implement revised schedules.”