Air Botswana boss downplays emergency landing

“We are still investigating the incident but we can confirm that one of our crew members noticed fire in the left engine of the aircraft. As per procedure, she shut down the engine and the aircraft safely flew back to our airport,” said AB general manager Ben Dahwa, addressing journalists yesterday.

“Its not an unusual event in the operations of an airline, although it is not preferred. There is nothing to panic about. We will make sure that it doesn’t occur again,” he said. Dahwa noted that although the airline has an ageing fleet, its safety and maintenance procedures are up to international standards, which has earned it respect and recognition from international aviation organisations.