Tony Fernandes: Jet did not have 'stalled engine'
AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes criticised some "silly headlines" after one of its planes turned back before takeoff in Surabaya.
AirAsia flight 7633 was taxiing in preparation for takeoff on Saturday at Surabaya airport. Then a power unit used to start the plane shut down, said an airline official.
As a result, the pilot turned back to the gate, said the director of Safety and Security at Indonesia AirAsia Raden Achmad Sadikin.
Sadikin explained that it was a minor incident:
"It's not that the engine failed. The plane wanted to take off but the APU (auxiliary power unit), which is the equipment that helped to start the engine, suddenly shut down."
Media in Indonesia and Malaysia reported that the plane's engine had cut out after emitting a loud bang that terrified passengers.
Fernandes was unhappy with these reports.
Fernandes is also owner of English Premier League football team Queen Parks Rangers. After the team's loss to third-tier team Sheffield United in the FA Cup, Fernandes he received some criticism from fans. He tweeted to give the matter some perspective.
He went on to defend the result and the club.
Source: AFP
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