Inspection reveals poor maintenance work by Jetstar Pacific

The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam said an inspection of local carrier Jetstar Pacific last month revealed several mistakes in aircraft maintenance, confirming allegations made by a former employee.

The airline’s weak quality control system was the reason behind the failings in maintenance procedures, the aviation administration concludes in a inspection report that is expected to be released next week.

The ten-day inspection was launched on November 5 after Jetstar Pacific’s ex-chief engineer Bernard John McCune accused the low-cost carrier of failing to follow proper maintenance procedures, including monitoring wing engines.

Jetstar Pacific had its maintenance license revoked in November and had to send its planes to Singapore for maintenance for about two months, leading to many flight cancellations and delays. It was allowed to resume maintaining aircraft early this month.

The aviation authority said Jetstar Pacific former director Luong Hoai Nam must be held responsible for the mistakes that occurred during his term.

Nam submitted his resignation in September and was relieved of his post on November 10 last year.

He was arrested last Thursday on accusations his mismanagement had caused losses of more than US$30 million at Jetstar Pacific, which is 70 percent owned by the government.

Tags: Jetstar, Vietnam aviation