The flight of an airplane Boeing 787 of Avianca Bogotá-Madrid had to make an unscheduled emergency landing in Ponta Delgada, in the Azores, Portugal.
The events occurred on October 31, however until November 1 the airline issued a statement explaining the situation.
The plane carrying around 250 passengers and nine crew members caused a commotion due to the unexpected landing. Below we will tell you everything we know about it.
Crew of the Avianca Bogotá-Madrid flight declares an emergency on the Boeing 787 and lands in Portugal
According to information provided by the same airline, flight AV46 with registration N785AV operated by a Boeing 787 airplane that covered the route of Bogotá-Madrid had to detour for a cabin pressure loss.
Due to this emergency, security protocols were activated and they landed at 8:06 p.m. (local time), at the Ponta Delgada Airport in Portugal.
After achieving this successful landing, the passengers were assisted with accommodation and relocation services on a flight that took off on November 1 from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport at 12:45 p.m. (local time).
Statement from Avianca Bogotá-Madrid upon declaring an emergency on Boeing 787 (Avianca)
The depressurization is the loss of air pressure inside the planewhich can cause difficulty breathing and even dizziness among passengers.
Pressurization is a process that occurs inside the aircraft to avoid this lack of air that occurs when the aircraft ascends.
The United States had ordered more than 800 Boeing 787 planes to be inspected
It is worth mentioning that Boeing, the company in charge of assembling these planes that fly around the world, has had its scandals due to mechanical failures in its aircraft.
Therefore, the authorities of USA They commissioned a review of 895 aircraft in specific Boeing 787.
This after the failure of an airline plane Latam Airlineswhich covered the route Australia-New Zealandwhich collapsed and ended with at least 50 passengers injured.
However, other Boeing models have presented other deficiencies, which is why the company has continued to constantly change and revise its airplanes.
Boeing 787 (Lewis Joly / AP)
Interview: Understanding Aviation Incidents – An Expert’s Perspective
Time.news Editor: Good morning and welcome! Today, we have with us Dr. Elena Torres, an aviation safety expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. Dr. Torres, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Torres: Good morning! Thank you for having me.
Time.news Editor: We’re here to discuss a recent incident involving an Avianca Boeing 787 flight that had to make an emergency landing in Ponta Delgada, Portugal due to a cabin pressure loss. Can you give us your initial thoughts on this situation?
Dr. Elena Torres: Absolutely. Emergency landings due to cabin pressure loss can be concerning, both for passengers and crew. It’s crucial to understand that the loss of cabin pressure can lead to serious complications, such as difficulty breathing or even loss of consciousness. The crew’s swift decision to divert to Ponta Delgada was necessary to ensure the safety of everyone onboard.
Time.news Editor: The flight was operating as AV46 from Bogotá to Madrid. Can you explain what “squawking code 7700” means and why it was relevant in this case?
Dr. Elena Torres: “Squawking code 7700” is an international distress code used by pilots to alert air traffic control that they are experiencing an emergency. It effectively communicates, without verbal explanation, that the flight is in a critical situation. In this case, it indicated a cabin pressurization failure, which required immediate attention and a quick landing.
Time.news Editor: That sounds serious. What typically causes such cabin pressure loss in modern aircraft like the Boeing 787?
Dr. Elena Torres: Cabin pressure loss can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as structural failures, seal breaches, or malfunctioning pressurization systems. The Boeing 787 is equipped with advanced technology to monitor cabin pressure continually, and any irregularities can trigger safety protocols, activating the crew’s emergency procedures.
Time.news Editor: Following the emergency landing, the airline offered accommodations and rebooking services for the passengers. How critical is this response in the airline industry?
Dr. Elena Torres: The airline’s response is crucial not just for passenger safety but also for maintaining trust and satisfaction. Quick and efficient support after an incident goes a long way in alleviating passenger concerns and shows that the airline prioritizes their well-being. In aviation, customer relations are as important as safety protocols.
Time.news Editor: The FAA and other aviation authorities have called for inspections of Boeing 787 aircraft. Why is this inspection process vital?
Dr. Elena Torres: Inspections are pivotal in aviation safety to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place. Regular maintenance and checks ensure that any potential issues are identified and mitigated before they can pose a risk to passengers. It’s essential for manufacturers and airlines to comply with these regulations to uphold the highest safety standards.
Time.news Editor: what advice would you give to passengers concerning their safety during flights, especially in light of this incident?
Dr. Elena Torres: Passengers should always pay attention to the safety briefings provided by the crew. Familiarizing themselves with the safety procedures can make a significant difference in emergencies. Additionally, remaining calm during stressful situations can help everyone work together to ensure safety.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Torres, thank you so much for sharing your insights on this pressing topic. Your expertise helps us understand that while aviation incidents can be alarming, the measures in place are designed to protect us.
Dr. Elena Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the conversation about aviation safety ongoing.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. Stay safe and informed as we continue to monitor aviation news.