GENEVA, Switzerland – A crew member of Swiss International Air Lines has died after being hospitalized following an emergency landing, the airline announced on Monday.
The incident occurred on December 23, when an Airbus A220-300 traveling from Bucharest to Zurich with 74 passengers and five crew members onboard was forced to land in Graz, Austria.
The emergency was triggered by engine issues and smoke infiltrating the cockpit and cabin.
“It is with deepest sorrow and regret that we confirm our young colleague passed away in the hospital in Graz on Monday,” Swiss Airlines said in an official statement.
Swiss Airlines CEO Jens Fehlinger expressed the profound impact of the loss on the company, stating, “We are devastated by the death of our dear colleague.
Our thoughts are with his family, whose pain we cannot begin to imagine. On behalf of everyone at Swiss, I extend our heartfelt condolences and assure them of our unwavering support during this tough time.”
The tragic incident has left the airline in mourning as it continues to support the crew member’s family.
EXACT CAUSE STILL UNCLEAR
The precise cause of the emergency aboard a Swiss International Air Lines Airbus A220 last week remains undetermined, though initial investigations suggest a technical defect in one of the aircraft’s engines, the airline stated.
The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (Bazl) confirmed that both the aircraft and engine manufacturers have been notified.
Following a preliminary review, Bazl indicated that no immediate technical measures were required.
Despite the incident, Swiss emphasized its confidence in the Airbus A220 and its Pratt & Whitney engines, which have collectively logged over 36 million flight hours globally.
“The Airbus A220 is a safe aircraft, and we remain committed to operating flights with it,” Swiss assured in a statement.
However, the aircraft model has experienced recurring engine issues in the past.
In several incidents, engine malfunctions resulted in the ejection of components, leading to temporary groundings that also impacted Swiss.
As investigations continue, Swiss has reiterated its dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards across its operations.