A Qantas Airbus A380 aircraft en-route from Singapore to Sydney made an emergency landing in Singapore after developing an "engine issue" shortly after take off.

The aircraft is on the runway surrounded by emergency vehicles, reports an eyewitness. The entire number two engine cowling is missing, he adds.

"Some media reports suggested the aircraft had crashed," says Qantas. "These reports are incorrect. No Qantas aircraft has crashed."

Qantas-A380-engine-cowling 
 © PA Photos

Qantas final

Credit: Cory Mathews/Flightglobal

The aircraft’s registration number is VH-OQA.  This was the first A380 delivered to Qantas, entering service on 18 September 2008. The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.

 


Video captured immediately after the emergency landing ... Credit: Cory Matthews

Television footage from Indonesia shows aircraft debris in the red and white colours of Qantas. Qantas engine cowlings feature the red and white Qantas livery. Indonesian media reports say an explosion was heard over the island of Batam, and debris was found littered over a field.

The aircraft had 433 passengers and 26 crew on board, says Qantas.

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Source: Air Transport Intelligence news