KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — AirAsia X and engine maker Rolls Royce are investigating the cause of the “technical problem” that forced a Perth-Kuala Lumpur flight to be aborted mid-air yesterday, the airlines said.
The long-haul carrier today also insisted that the maintenance of all its aircraft was in order, and that it complied with all local safety regulations.
“We are currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the incident together with our engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce. We are also cooperating fully with the local aviation authorities,” it said in a statement.
The airline’s Airbus A330 was yesterday forced to return to Perth, Australia 90 minutes into the journey, after it suffered an engine problem that caused the aircraft to vibrate “like a washing machine”, according to passengers.
A passenger told Australia’s ABC News that one of the pilots allegedly asked those on board to pray during the incident.
The plane landed safely and without casualties following the 90-minute return trip, although some passengers were reportedly traumatised by the experience.
