I WAS on board Tiger Airways Flight TR 152 from Singapore to Phuket last Thursday. At about 7.10am the plane made its way to the runway and proceeded to take off. After travelling some distance, it started to slow down and eventually came to a stop. The pilot announced that there was a 'configuration problem' and that it would be investigated. He then taxied the plane to the side.
After some time, he announced that he could not find anything wrong and would attempt another take-off. He then taxied the plane to the runway for take-off. Again, the plane travelled a short distance before coming to a halt. The pilot announced that he would have engineers investigate the problem and the plane was subsequently taxied to the terminal gate.
More time elapsed and eventually the pilot announced that the 'problem was more involved' than he initially thought. We were transferred to another plane.
En route to the runway, the second plane stopped for a considerable length of time. The pilot eventually announced that the weather-detection radar was faulty and he would have to get it replaced. We made another trip to the terminal gate and the plane finally took off after the faulty radar was replaced.
Approaching Phuket airport, the landing was aborted, with the pilot saying that visibility was poor and he would have to make another approach. We circled Phuket; the second attempt was also aborted as visibility had not improved. Prior to the third landing attempt, the pilot remarked that 'it was just not his day'. This statement further undermined the confidence of passengers. We finally touched down at about 11.35am, Phuket time.
Several serious issues arise from this incident. Firstly, why did the pilot attempt a second take-off when there was a configuration problem?
Another issue is the question of maintenance. The reserve plane also had faulty equipment. How does Tiger Airways ensure that its planes are airworthy?
There has been a spate of incidents involving budget airlines of neighbouring countries.
This incident involving Tiger Airways raises concerns as to whether safety standards are being compromised.
Passengers need strong reassurance from the airline that such incidents will not recur.
