Two former chief engineers of Jetstar Pacific Airlines on Wednesday have written to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung reiterating that concerns about the carrier’s poor aircraft maintenance are well grounded.

McCune had previously informed the Southern Airport Authority about the low-cost carrier’s failings in aircraft maintenance procedures, which led to the ongoing CAAV probe.

However, the agency will not arrive at any conclusion on the accusation by the no-frills carrier’s ex-chief engineer before the ten-day investigation, launched on November 5, is completed, said CAAV Deputy Director General Lai Xuan Thanh.

McCune has accused JPA of failing to follow proper maintenance procedures, including monitoring wing engines, leading to the breakdown of two engines of a plane within one week because of overheating.

The engineer also claimed he once detected an engine of another A320 aircraft (VN-A195) in conditions unfit for use. He reported this to his superiors, but the plane was still allowed to take off and didn’t have the engine replaced until later, he added.

McCune and King alleged JPA had ended contracts with them because they had raised concerns over the engine and other safety matters.

“Our intent is not to harm Jetstar Pacific Airlines’s reputation but to ensure that those accountable follow the correct safety procedures and regulations,” McCune and King wrote.

JPA Deputy Managing Director Daniela Masilli, however, asserted the airline had always complied with flight safety requirements as well as local regulations, and said there was no evidence to back McCune’s claims.

McCune was sacked due to shortcomings in his efficiency, according to JPA, which was earlier Pacific Airlines. The name was changed in May last year under a branding agreement with Jetstar Airways - a subsidiary of Australia-based Qantas Airlines.

Source: Agencies