On June 23, 2024, a Boeing 777 operated by KLM, the Dutch national airline, was forced to return to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport due to an unspecified technical problem. The aircraft, which was bound for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, turned around over Belgium and requested a precautionary landing, according to a Dutch air traffic control spokesperson.
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The incident involved flight KL705, which had been in the air for approximately 40 minutes before it turned back. Despite the technical issue, the safety of the passengers and crew was not compromised, according to KLM. The airline also confirmed that an alternative aircraft would be used for the flight.
#aviationdaily #emergency @KLM flight #kl705 from #amsterdam (AMS) to Rio De Janero (GIG) changed code to 7700 and diverted back to Amsterdam. The flight is operated by a Boeing 777-200ER (Reg. PH-BQB). pic.twitter.com/06Q2KlqfTd
— Aero News Journal-Daily Aviation News (@FlyingFreak73) June 23, 2024
The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 777-200 registered as PH-BQB. This plane is 20.7 years old and was delivered to KLM in November 2003. KLM currently operates 15 Boeing 777-200s, all but one of which are in active service. The average fleet age for the 777-200s at KLM is 19.5 years.
The incident comes at a time when Boeing has been under increased scrutiny from lawmakers and aviation officials over the safety of its planes. Earlier this year, a new Boeing 737 Max lost a metal panel in mid-flight, raising concerns about the company's quality control processes. In response to the incident, KLM has taken steps to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. The airline has a strong safety record and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and rigorous safety checks in the aviation industry.