PRESS RELEASE - EASA welcomes AAIB interim report on B777 Heathrow accident

With regard to the accident of a British Airways Boeing 777 at Heathrow Airport on 17 January 2008, the Agency welcomes the report of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and its recommendations. EASA has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the affected Type Certificate holders, Boeing and Rolls-Royce, in support of the AAIB investigation team.

In consultation with the FAA, it has been agreed that interim measures in response to Safety Recommendation 2008-047 will be defined through mandatory aircraft level action for the B777 aircraft equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines.

In respect of Safety Recommendation 2008-048, EASA and the FAA have initiated reviews to determine the implications of the findings from this investigation for other certified aircraft/engine combinations, and will take appropriate action where necessary.

In respect of Safety Recommendation 2008-049, EASA will review the need for future rulemaking action.

Note to editors:
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was set up by the EU in 2003 to promote the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs some 400 experts and administrators from all over Europe.


Cologne, 04/09/2008

EASA welcomes AAIB Interim Report on B777 Heathrow accident

	With regard to the accident of a British Airways Boeing 777 at Heathrow Airport on 17 January 2008, the Agency welcomes the report of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and its recommendations. EASA has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the affected Type Certificate holders, Boeing and Rolls-Royce, in support of the AAIB investigation team. In consultation with the FAA, it has been agreed that interim measures in response to Safety Recommendation 2008-047 will be defined through mandatory aircraft level action for the B777 aircraft equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines. In respect of Safety Recommendation 2008-048, EASA and the FAA have initiated reviews to determine the implications of the findings from this investigation for other certified aircraft/engine combinations, and will take appropriate action where necessary. In respect of Safety Recommendation 2008-049, EASA will review the need for future rulemaking action. Note to editors: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was set up by the EU in 2003 to promote the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs some 400 experts and administrators from all over Europe.
For further information
Dr. Daniel Höltgen, Head of Communications Tel.: + 49 (221) 89990 2002 - Fax: + 49 (221) 89990 2502 Savina Zakoula, Press Officer Tel.: + 49 (221) 89990 2008 Fax: + 49 (221) 89990 2508