Airbus has said it regrets to confirm that an A350-900 operated by Japan Airlines was involved in an accident during flight JAL516 from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Haneda International Airport shortly after 17:47 (local time) on 02 January 2024. According to Airbus, all 367 passengers and 12 crew members on-board evacuated the aircraft.
The A350 collided with a DHC-8 aircraft at landing in Haneda. The Japanese authorities have since confirmed that sadly five of the six people on board the DHC-8 did not survive. The exact circumstances of the event are still unknown.
Airbus also stated that the aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number JA13XJ, was MSN 538, delivered to Japan Airlines from the production line on 10 November 2021. It was powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
Furthermore, in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 recommendations, Airbus will provide technical assistance to the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) of France and to the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) in charge of the investigation. For this purpose, Airbus is presently dispatching a team of specialists to assist the Authorities, Airbus stated.
Airbus also said that further updates will be provided as soon as consolidated information is available and Airbus is authorised to release them.
“Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident,” Airbus concluded.
Meanwhile, Japan Airlines also issued a statement concerning the accident.
It said: “We regret to inform you that on the evening of January 2nd (Japan time), JL516 was involved in a collision with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft during its landing at Haneda Airport, resulting in a fire on the runway. Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased members of the Japan Coast Guard.”
“We have confirmed that all passengers and crew on our flight were evacuated. We would like to assure you that we will provide our full cooperation in the investigation of this unfortunate event.”
