Both British Airways (BA) and SriLankan Airlines are continuing to investigate last night”s (15 October) wing-tip collision at London Heathrow.
Precise details remain sketchy, but a BA Boeing 747-400 operating as flight 011 to Singapore, was involved with what the carrier says was ”a minor collision” with a SriLankan Airbus A340 bound for Male and Colombo.
The incident occurred as the BA aircraft was taxiing to the runway at around 22:00 last night and although the wings of both aircraft clipped each other, no passengers are reported injured.
”No passengers were injured and all passengers safely disembarked the aircraft and returned to the Terminal building,” said a BA statement.
”We are launching an immediate investigation into what happened ” safety is paramount at British Airways and we would never compromise that. The aircraft will be thoroughly examined before being permitted to operate again.”
Both aircraft had left Heathrow”s Terminal 4 en route to the runway when the incident occurred, which necessitated the Fire Brigade being called.
”No injuries were reported to the any of the 286 passengers on board the SriLankan flight, all passengers disembarked at midnight and were transferred to a London hotel,” said a SriLankan Airlines statement.
”Passengers are to be returned to the airport at 15:00 today for an 18:00 departure to Male and Colombo.”
The carrier notes that Air Traffic Control ” under whose guidance the two aircraft were ” has launched an investigation while the SriLankan airline is also to fly in teams from Colombo to evaluate the incident.
”Maintaining safety is paramount to SriLankan Airlines and we are pleased with the procedures taken,” said head of corporate communications, Chandana De Silva. ”We are confident of an 18:00 departure this evening."