Jobaaj Stories
Incident Overview:
On June 28, 2024, a major incident occurred involving British Airways Flight BA2279 at London Gatwick Airport. The Boeing 777-200ER, bound for Vancouver, experienced a fire during its takeoff attempt due to a pilot error. The co-pilot mistakenly engaged the left thrust lever instead of the right-hand control column. This caused a sudden reduction in engine thrust, leading to overheating of the aircraft’s right main landing gear brakes.
As the crew attempted to abort the takeoff at 186 mph, the plane continued moving and reached a speed of 192 mph before eventually coming to a stop. The overheated brakes caught fire, but the situation was quickly managed by Gatwick's fire services, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of those onboard.
Operational Impact:
The incident significantly impacted operations at Gatwick Airport, with the main runway closed for 50 minutes, causing several disruptions:
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23 outbound flights were canceled.
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16 inbound flights were diverted.
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Numerous other flights experienced delays.
Despite these challenges, all 347 passengers and crew aboard the flight were unharmed.
Investigation Findings:
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) determined that the incident resulted from an "action slip"—a type of human error where a routine action is performed incorrectly. Despite the co-pilot’s extensive experience and recent rest, no clear reason for the mistake was identified. The AAIB emphasized the need for ongoing motor skills training to prevent such errors in the future.
This incident highlights the importance of continuous pilot training to prevent minor errors from leading to major consequences in flight operations.
British Airways Expands Fleet with Boeing 787s:
In other news, British Airways' parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), announced a $13 billion order for 32 Boeing 787-10 aircraft. This order is part of a broader strategy to modernize and expand their long-haul fleet. The Boeing 787-10s will replace older aircraft and are expected to provide improved fuel efficiency and enhanced comfort for passengers. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2033.
This fleet upgrade is part of IAG's broader recovery, reporting a first-quarter operating profit of €198 million for 2025, up from the previous year. The growth is attributed to rising ticket prices and lower fuel costs, despite a slowdown in U.S. consumer demand for economy seats.
Additionally, IAG has secured Airbus A330-900neo aircraft for its other carriers, including Iberia and Aer Lingus, as part of its fleet modernization.
Summary:
While British Airways works to resolve past challenges with its Boeing 787 fleet, it is also investing in future upgrades. These include enhancing its long-haul services with new, more efficient Boeing 787-10 aircraft, which will play a key role in the airline’s fleet modernization strategy.
