A brand-new JetBlue Airbus A321neo (Reg. N2180J) was operating flight B62220 from London to New York, forced to make an emergency landing at Shannon Airport in Ireland on Saturday. The incident, which unfolded over the Atlantic Ocean, involved a critical engine issue prompting a safe landing with one engine shut down. The aircraft, delivered to JetBlue just weeks prior, was cruising at an altitude of 34000 ft. over the North Atlantic when the crew encountered an engine problem. The flying crew declared an emergency and made the diversion.
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Reports suggest a "compressor stall" in the right engine, a situation where airflow disrupts and thrust is lost. As a precaution, the pilots shut down the affected engine and declared an emergency with air traffic control. Following established procedures for engine malfunctions, the JetBlue crew diverted the flight to the nearest suitable airport – Shannon Airport in Ireland. The pilots skillfully managed the single-engine situation and landed the plane safely shortly before 11 am local time.
Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries among the passengers or crew onboard. Emergency services were on standby at Shannon Airport as a precautionary measure, but the landing itself was uneventful. The cause of the engine compressor stall remains under investigation. JetBlue is likely cooperating with Airbus, the aircraft manufacturer, to determine the exact cause and ensure the safety of their fleet. Passengers on the diverted flight faced delays as arrangements were made to fly them to their final destination in New York on a different aircraft.
This incident serves as a reminder of the robust safety protocols in place for commercial aviation. Despite the engine issue, the crew's training and experience ensured a safe landing for everyone onboard. The coming days will likely shed more light on the cause of the engine problem and the timeline for repairs or potential replacements on the affected A321neo.