"We also deeply apologize for the great concern and inconvenience caused to the passengers on our flights, their families, and everyone involved," Japan Airlines said in a statement after Tuesday's shocking collision at Tokyo airport.
On the evening of January 2nd, a tragic incident unfolded at Tokyo's Haneda Airport involving a Japan Airlines (JAL) plane, Flight 516, which collided with a smaller Japan Coast Guard aircraft on the runway. The aftermath resulted in a devastating fire, leading to the loss of five lives among the coastguard crew. In the wake of this incident, JAL took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to release a series of statements addressing the situation, expressing condolences, offering apologies, and outlining measures for those affected.
JAL's initial statement detailed the collision between Flight 516 and the Japan Coast Guard aircraft upon landing at Haneda Airport. The intense impact led to a fire on the runway, with footage showing flames engulfing the Airbus. All 379 passengers and crew on the JAL flight were successfully evacuated, but unfortunately, five out of six crew members on the coastguard plane lost their lives. The captain sustained injuries.
1. 1月2日夕刻、JAL516便が羽田空港に着陸した際、海上保安庁の航空機と接触し滑走路上で炎上しました。
お亡くなりになられた海上保安庁の関係者の方々のご冥福を心よりお祈り申し上げます。
"On the evening of January 2nd, when JAL flight 516 landed at Haneda Airport, it collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft and burst into flames on the runway. We would like to offer our sincere prayers for the repose of the souls of the members of the Japan Coast Guard who have passed away," said the airlines in a series of post on X.
Recognizing the significant concern and inconvenience caused to passengers, their families, and everyone involved, JAL issued a sincere apology. The post emphasized the airline's commitment to fully cooperate with the Japan Transport Safety Board's investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
2. また、当社便にご搭乗されていたお客さまやご家族の皆さま、関係の皆さまには大変なご心配、ご迷惑をおかけしていますことを深くおわび申し上げます。
当社は国土交通省運輸安全委員会の事故調査に全面的に協力してまいります。
"We also deeply apologize for the great concern and inconvenience caused to the passengers on our flights, their families, and everyone involved. Our company will fully cooperate with the accident investigation by the Japan Transport Safety Board of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism," JAL added.
3. この事故の影響を考慮し、3月31日までにJALグループ便のご予約をお持ちのお客さまの航空券につきまして、
手数料をいただかずに変更、払い戻しを承ります。詳しくはこちらをご確認ください。https://t.co/MsLzqwM5Xg
To address the impact of the incident on passengers' travel plans, JAL announced measures for those who had booked flights with the airline by March 31st. The statement assured flexibility, allowing changes and refunds without charge. Passengers were directed to check for detailed information regarding these accommodations.
The incident disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers, leading to the closure of all four runways at Haneda Airport. As the international community closely monitored the situation, Airbus announced sending a team of specialists to assist in the investigation, marking the first major accident involving an A350 aircraft.
Air safety experts and officials commended the efforts of the JAL crew for successfully evacuating all passengers amid the chaotic situation. The focus on safety and the crew's disciplined response garnered praise, highlighting their dedication to ensuring the well-being of everyone on board.