BY: PENI KOMAISAVAI
A Miami Air plane bought into Fiji to fill the gap left by the grounded 737 Max 8, is still not operational after suffering engine problems earlier this month.
The plane was operating on a Fiji Airways flight to Brisbane on July 19 when it suffered engine problems and was forced to return to Nadi.
A Fiji Airways spokesperson says that flight “landed without any issues” after the pilot had to shut down the engine.
The spokesperson says they are now awaiting Miami Air personnel to examine the plane.
Fiji Airways says their Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s are now operating on the Nadi- Brisbane service.
Meanwhile Fiji Airways has ended its nonstop flights to Adelaide. The route operated twice weekly, but the service ended on July 20..
Fiji Airways has two 737 MAX 8 aircraft in its fleet and was due to receive another three this year. It leased the Miami Air Boeing 737-800 to cover flights to Australia, New Zealand and Samoa. Miami cabin crew and pilots operated the flights, alongside a Fiji Airways Purser or Senior Flight Attendant.
Miami Air is a charter company which has leased aircraft to British Airways and Air France amongst other airlines.