Azur Air Boeing 757-200 Diverts to China After Engine Malfunction?
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Azur Air's Boeing 757-200, flight ZF2998, made a safe emergency landing in Lanzhou, China, after an in-flight right engine malfunction, with all 246 persons safe.
Key Takeaways
- •Azur Air flight ZF2998, a Boeing 757-200, successfully executed an emergency landing in Lanzhou, China.
- •The in-flight emergency was triggered by a malfunction in the aircraft's right-side engine.
- •Crew activated the international distress signal, transponder code 7700, and jettisoned fuel as a safety precaution.
- •All 239 passengers and seven crew members were reported safe and transferred to local hotels.
A flight operated by Russian charter carrier Azur Air executed a successful emergency landing in China. The incident occurred after the crew reported an in-flight engine problem. Flight ZF2998 was en route from Phuket, Thailand, to Barnaul, Russia.
Incident Details
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 757-200 twin-engine jet. It was carrying 239 passengers and seven crew members on board. The flight encountered an in-flight emergency on Friday afternoon. Crew members declared a distress situation over Chinese airspace.
This declaration included activating transponder code 7700, the international signal for an emergency. The flight was diverted to the nearest suitable airport. It landed safely at 4:51 p.m. local time.
Airport authorities confirmed the safe landing. The diversion occurred at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport. This airport is in Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China’s Gansu Province.
Emergency Response and Safety
According to the airport, the emergency was due to a malfunction of the aircraft's right engine. Flight-tracking data showed the crew performed critical safety steps. The Boeing 757-200 circled near Lanzhou before landing. This maneuver allowed the crew to jettison fuel as a necessary precaution. Fuel jettisoning reduces the aircraft's weight for a safer landing. This is a standard twin-engine aircraft emergency procedure.
All 246 individuals on board were reported unharmed. This highlights the crew’s professionalism during the in-flight distress situation. The commercial aviation safety incident did not affect other airport operations. The airport confirmed that normal takeoff and landing continued.
Passenger and Coordination Update
Following the safe landing, the airport initiated coordination efforts. All passengers transferred to hotels in Lanzhou. This ensures their comfort while the airline arranges onward travel. The aircraft remains on the ground for inspection and maintenance. The investigation into the Azur Air emergency landing will focus on the engine's technical failure. Such incidents underscore the importance of robust maintenance protocols. They also validate the effectiveness of emergency procedures for twin-engine aircraft.
Trusted commercial aviation news and airline industry reporting are available at flying.flights.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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