Xiamen Air issues public apology

FILE: Xiamen Air flight MF8667 remains stuck beside the main runway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), prompting airport authorities to close down the airstrip and call off or divert a number of international flights on Friday, August 17, 2018. The aircraft swerved to the left and off-runway around 11:55 p.m. Thursday. All 157 passengers and crew of the airplane have been evacuated safely, according to a joint statement from the NAIA and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Contributed photo

Following the advice of Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) General Manager Ed Monreal, Xiamen Airlines issued on Monday a public apology.

“Xiamen Airlines apologizes to all the passengers affected by the incident and will do its utmost to assist,” Che Shanglun, chairman of the company, said in a statement.

Shanglun said that the Civil Aviation Administration of China is closely coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authority of the country to investigate the cause of the runway mishap.

Shanglun added that “all flights from Xiamen Airlines to the Philippines will be carried out normally to provide air transportation services for passengers.”

The Xiamen Airlines executive also thanked the Miaa for assisting in removing the crippled aircraft from the runway.

“After the incident of flight MF8667 skidded off the runway, Manila International Airport made a lot of efforts to help us to settle the passengers and move the aircraft from the runway. Thanks to Manila Airport for its support to Xiamen Airlines,” Shanglun said.

Xiamen Airlines executives also apologized to Monreal during a meeting on Monday morning.

READ: Xiamen Air execs issue apology for mishap