Jamie Spencer
A Swiss International Air Lines flight attendant tragically passed away a week after being exposed to smoke that filled the cabin and cockpit during a December 23 flight. The flight, traveling from Bucharest, Romania, to Zurich, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Graz, Austria, due to engine problems, the airline said in a press release.
Emergency Diversion and Immediate Response
The Airbus A220 was diverted to Graz after engine issues caused smoke to spread throughout the aircraft. Upon landing, all 74 passengers and five crew members were evacuated safely. Twelve passengers and all crew members required medical attention due to the smoke exposure.
The affected flight attendant, whose name has not been disclosed, was airlifted to a hospital in Graz and placed in intensive care. Despite the medical team’s efforts, the crew member passed away on Monday.
Airline Leadership Expresses Grief
Swiss International Air Lines CEO Jens Fehlinger shared the company’s sorrow:
“We are devastated at our dear colleague’s death.”
Chief Operating Officer Oliver Buchhofer added:
“We stand with one another at this truly difficult time; and we will be doing our utmost, together with the relevant authorities, to determine the causes involved. We have many questions, and we want them answered.”
Investigation Into the Cause of the Incident
The investigation focuses on the aircraft’s mechanical parts, particularly the engines, and the protective breathing equipment available to cabin crew. The airline is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer, and Airbus to determine the root cause of the smoke.
“The initial findings point to a technical problem in one of the engines,” Swiss stated. However, the exact source of the smoke has not been conclusively identified.
Special Measures for Passengers
On Christmas Eve, Swiss International Air Lines arranged a special flight from Graz to Zurich to ensure passengers reached their destination after the emergency landing. The airline has also deployed teams of experts to work with authorities, reviewing all available findings to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The passing of the young flight attendant has deeply impacted Swiss International Air Lines, underscoring the critical importance of crew safety in aviation. As investigations continue, the airline remains committed to uncovering the causes and implementing measures to ensure such tragedies do not happen again.
