Fed: Ansett groundings cause Christmas chaos

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2000
Fed: Ansett groundings cause Christmas chaos

Thousands of passengers have had their Christmas travel plans thrown into chaos after
Ansett grounded six of its jets, after realising it had failed to service the planes.

At least 11 flights were cancelled, including two international flights.

The move has left thousands of passengers and the airline scrambling to make alternative
arrangements during the year's busiest flying season.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority says Ansett had overlooked crucial maintenance
inspections, as recommended by Boeing's manufacturer on the 767-200 jets.

CASA spokesman PETER GIBSON says Ansett has actually been forced to ground seven planes
but one is being serviced and will be flying by the end of the weekend.

He says the aircraft need special inspections after flying 25,000 cycles or journey legs.

Mr GIBSON says Ansett voluntarily grounded the planes.

Ansett spokesman GEOFF LYNCH says several components of the aircraft are affected,
but there have been no incidents on the ground or in the air.

Mr LYNCH says extra aircraft are being chartered, other airlines are being contacted
for spare seats and dispensation has been sought to allow passengers to use spare seats
on international flights within the country.

AAP RTV sa/l/jtbo

KEYWORD: ANSETT (SYDNEY)

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