A Qantas Airways Boeing 747 bound for Melbourne had to turn back to Singapore on 17 December after one of its engines shut down.

The aircraft's fourth engine shut down shortly after take-off due to a "mechanical fault", says a Qantas spokeswoman. There were 354 passengers on board.

Australian media reports quoted passengers as saying there were "flames" coming from the engine, but the spokeswoman says there was no fire.

"The aircraft landed safely in Singapore, and passengers were accommodated for the night," she adds.

They will leave for Melbourne today on a different aircraft, she says.

The 747 is still in Singapore awaiting the arrival of parts so its engine can be replaced, she adds.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news