Sunday 25 May 2008

Jumbo 747 splits in two during take off

A Jumbo 747 has crashed and split in two at the end of the runway in Brussels Airport.

The aircraft was a cargo plane due to fly to Bahrain and was attempting to take off when it crashed.

The five crew members onboard the plane have all been slightly injured and are in hospital. A spokesman at the airport said:

"The plane is very seriously damaged. The aircraft cracked in two after it crashed at the end of runway 220, which lies very close to a rail line and houses. Rail services to and from the airport were suspended as a safety precaution, however the crash did not affect other flights at the airport."

Firefighters at the scene sprayed the wings of the jet with special fire retardant foam as a precaution.

It's not known at present what cargo was onboard the aircraft or what was the cause of the accident.

The pilot has told authorities that a big noise sounded as he tried to take off.

Wednesday 21 May 2008

Fans stranded at Gatwick Airport

A special charter flight put on for football supporters going to Russia for the Champions League final has been cancelled leaving hundreds of fans stranded at Gatwick airport.

A spokesman has said that a technical problem caused the fight to be cancelled.

Fans have now started to leave the airport as it's now too late to get to the match in time which starts at 19.45 BST.

Tuesday 20 May 2008

Attempt to ban early morning flights arriving at Heathrow

The governement are being taken to court in an attempt to ban flights landing at Heathrow before 6am.

Three years ago it was discovered that the Department of Transport were accused of failing to act when in fact planes had been placed in the incorrect noise category.

Around sixteen 747 long haul flights arrive at Heathrow between 4.30 and 6.00am.

Coucils taking the court action are accusing the airport of taking advantage of a legal loophole allowing Boeing 747 to land at night but bans other aircraft from doing so.

Lawyers are claiming that residents aren't protected from noise at night and closing this loophole would force airlines to use quieter jets or scrap early arrivals altogether.

Edward Lister Wandsworth Council leader said:

"We are aiming to achieve some much-needed relief for residents in the 4.30-6am period. Those aircraft types which break the rules should be grounded. There are currently no controls at this time of day. If we win, it could mean the Government having to set limits for the first time at a time of day when many people are still asleep."

The case continues.