Japan Airlines (JAL) is facing significant losses after a plane collided with a coast guard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. The airline expects the losses to exceed $100 million due to the accident.
The incident occurred when a passenger jet collided with the coast guard aircraft, resulting in a burst of flames. Thankfully, all 379 passengers onboard were safely evacuated before the flames engulfed the plane. It took over six hours to extinguish the fire.
Tragically, five out of the six crew members on the coast guard aircraft lost their lives in the accident, with the surviving pilot sustaining serious injuries. The coast guard aircraft had been delivering aid to areas affected by an earthquake on Japan’s west coast.
Japanese transport authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, specifically looking into possible professional negligence. Transcripts reveal that air traffic control instructed the coast guard plane to proceed to a holding point near the runway before the crash. Meanwhile, the transcripts indicate that the passenger jet had received permission to land, while the smaller plane had not been cleared for takeoff.
Prior to the accident, a notice to pilots had been issued regarding the out-of-service stop-lights embedded in the tarmac, which are an essential safety measure. The investigation will likely consider whether the non-functioning lights played a role in the collision.
JAL estimates an operating loss of about 15 billion yen ($105 million) due to the accident. However, the company’s insurance will cover this financial impact. The airline is also in discussions with individual passengers affected by the crash, including two who reported the death of their pets during the incident.
The crash has resulted in flight cancellations and delays at Haneda airport, leaving nearly 200 passengers stranded overnight at New Chitose airport. This disruption has caused inconvenience for travelers during the New Year’s holidays.
Following the incident, JAL’s shares initially fell but managed to recover slightly, closing up 0.8% after trading resumed following the holidays. The airline will undoubtedly face challenges in the coming months as it works to regain passenger trust and recover from the losses incurred due to this tragic accident.
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