Some Boeing 777s banned from UK airspace after Denver engine failure
22 February 2021, 14:50
Boeing 777 aircrafts with the same engine type that failed and broke apart during a United Airlines flight from Denver have been banned from UK airspace.
Transport Minister Grant Shapps announced the temporary ban on Monday, confirming it came as a direct result of the Denver incident over the weekend.
He added that he would continue to liaise with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to "monitor the situation".
The ban specifically relates to Boeing 777s with Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 series engines - which are currently under investigation.
READ MORE: FAA orders United Airlines to inspect Boeing 777s after engine failure
After issues this weekend, Boeing B777s with Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 series engines will be temporarily banned from entering the UK airspace. I will continue to work closely with the @UK_CAA to monitor the situation.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) February 22, 2021
It comes after United Airlines flight 328 was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff from Denver International Airport on Saturday.
One of the engines had suffered a failure, causing it to break apart and spray debris across the Denver area.
No one on the ground was injured by the falling debris and all 231 passengers and 10 crew on board the aircraft landed safely.
United has now removed similar planes from service.
READ MORE: Plane showers homes in Denver with debris after engine 'explosion'
Engine failure on Boeing 777 United aircraft. Plane took off from Denver and returned safely in 20 minutes. Engine parts fell soon after take off. Pilots flew the aircraft back safely. Look at the engine, it's hardly in shape. pic.twitter.com/gByQ9Sj85q
— Nagarjun Dwarakanath (@nagarjund) February 21, 2021
The CAA, meanwhile, has confirmed that Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 engines are not currently used on models operated by UK airlines.
A statement from the authority said: "After the Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 engine incident on a Boeing 777 aircraft, we have suspended this configuration's use in UK airspace.
"It is not used by any UK airlines. It is operated by airlines in the USA, Japan and South Korea where authorities have also stopped its use."
