AirBlue Commercial Aircraft Crashes in Islamabad

Spring Onion · Jul 29, 2010

America stands with Pakistan after plane crash: Obama

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama offered his “deepest condolences” on Wednesday to families and friends of the 152 people killed in a plane crash near Islamabad, which included two Americans.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those touched by this horrible accident,” Obama said in a statement.

“The American people stand with the people of Pakistan in this moment of tragedy.”

The passenger jet crashed earlier Wednesday into densely wooded hills outside Islamabad, killing everyone on board in the worst crash involving a Pakistani airliner in 18 years. -AFP

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Thank you Obama and people of America. Much appreciated

skybolt · Jul 29, 2010

skybolt · Jul 29, 2010

Official Statement by Airbus [Airblue flight ED 202]

Airblue flight ED 202 accident in Islamabad (Issue I)
28 July 2010

Airbus regrets to confirm that an Airbus A321 operated by airblue was involved in an accident shortly after 9.45 am local time. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service, Flight ED 202, from Karachi to Islamabad, Pakistan.

The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under AP-BJB, was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 1218, initially delivered from the production line in 2000. The aircraft is leased to airblue in January 2006. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 34,000 flight hours in some 13,500 flights. It was powered by IAE V2533 engines. At this time no further factual information is available.

Airbus is not part of the accident investigation commission but will provide all necessary support to the BEA as well as to the authorities who will be responsible for the accident investigation.

The A321 is a twin-engine single-aisle seating 185 passengers in a standard two-class configuration. The first A321 entered service in January 1994. To date, some 610 A321s are in service with nearly 70 operators. The entire fleet has accumulated some 10.6 million flight hours in some 5.8 million flights. The A321 is part of the A320 Family which has achieved over 50 million take offs and landings since the first model, the A320, entered commercial service in 1988. Today, more than 4,300 aircraft are in operations to some 310 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus will make further factual information available as soon as the details have been confirmed.

The concerns and sympathy of the Airbus employees go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident of Flight ED 202.

* * *

For further information, please contact:
AIRBUS - MEDIA RELATIONS
Tel.: (33) 05.61.93.10.00

skybolt · Jul 29, 2010

TECHNICAL BACKGROUNDER

A321
July 2010

Description
The Airbus A321 is a twin-engine aircraft, which typically carries 185 passengers in a two-class, single-aisle cabin on medium range routes of up to 2,350 nautical miles (4,400km). It can carry a maximum of 220 passengers in a high-density seating configuration. It also provides under-floor freight capacity for up to 10 industry-standard LD3-46W cargo containers.

The A321 is designed to be operated by two pilots and a crew of cabin attendants whose number varies according to the operators seating configuration. It has a typical cruise speed of Mach 0.78 and a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.82.

The maximum take-off weight for this aircraft type is 206,100lb (93.5 tonnes) and it can carry up to 56,500lbs (25.6 tonnes) in payload.

The A321 has a maximum fuel capacity of 7,840 US Gallons (29,680 litres). Fuel tanks for all versions are located in the wing and in the wing centre section. The A321 can also be fitted with up to two additional centre tanks in the aft cargo department.

Engines
The A321 can be equipped with either CFM International CFM56-5B or International Aero Engines IAE V2500 engines, which generate between 27,000lb and 33,000lbs (120-148kN) of thrust.

History
Airbus launched the A321 programme in November 1989. After its first flight on 11 March 1993, four aircraft participated in a rigorous flight test and airworthiness certification programme during which they accumulated 1,000 flight hours in 400 flights. The A321 was delivered for the first time in January 1994.

Where the A321 is made
A321 major sub-assemblies are produced in France, Germany, the UK and Spain. Final assembly takes place in Hamburg, northern Germany. Interiors are also equipped at Airbuss Hamburg facility where customers own choice of seats, galleys, toilets, furnishings and other equipment are installed.

notsuperstitious · Jul 29, 2010

Indian govt reaction

Ministry of External Affairs, India

External Affairs Minister Shri S. M. Krishna has condoled the unfortunate loss of innocent lives in the tragic plane crash today, near Islamabad in Pakistan. In a message to his Pakistan counterpart, EAM conveyed deep condolences on behalf of the people and Government of India to the people and Government of Pakistan, especially to the bereaved families.

skybolt · Jul 29, 2010

AP-BJB AirBlue Airbus A321-231 - cn 1218
Operator History

AP-BJB AirBlue Airbus A321-231 - cn 1218 - Planespotters.net Just Aviation

skybolt · Jul 29, 2010

AP-BJB AirBlue Airbus A321-231 - MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 1218
AP-BJB (cn 1218) An evening arrival from Ankara. Caught with the beacon flashing, reflecting nicely underneath.
England, July 20, 2007

skybolt · Jul 29, 2010

AP-BJB (cn 1218) First photo of this one.
United Arab Emirates, February 3, 2007

AP-BJB AirBlue Airbus A321-231 - MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 1218

skybolt · Jul 29, 2010

AP-BJB (cn 1218) Just in time at about 8.30pm, if you are lucky in midsummer you can catch these in good light at the end of the long flight from Karachi
England, June 24, 2010

AP-BJB AirBlue Airbus A321-231 - MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 1218

skybolt · Jul 29, 2010

AP-BJB (cn 1218) Late evening arrival.
England, May 26, 2009