MK 943/23 May Melbourne/Mauritius Flight Rescheduled for 24 May 2012

AsiaNet 49440

PORT-LOUIS, Mauritius, May 24/ PRN=KYODO JBN/ --

    Flight MK 943 left Melbourne Tullamarine airport at 13h35 (Local time

Melbourne) with 181 passengers and 13 crew members. Shortly after takeoff, the

Captain was informed of a suspicious item on board. In accordance with safety

procedures, he took the decision to return to Melbourne. The aircraft landed

safely at 14h55 (local time).

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120523/533429 )

    All passengers disembarked and were transferred to the airport terminal

under the supervision of the Australian authorities. Arrangements were made for

the transfer of all passengers to an airport lounge where they could rest and

were offered refreshments. Once Police clearance was obtained, arrangements

were made for accommodating all passengers overnight in Melbourne hotels.

    The flight will now operate as MK 3943 on 24 May leaving Melbourne at 11h30

(Local time Melbourne) and reaching Mauritius at 16h55 (Local time Mauritius).

    In a statement issued by Victoria Police earlier today, the item was

described as a 'soft drink can with the word BOMB written on it'. Australian

authorities are carrying out further investigations in Melbourne.

    Air Mauritius apologizes for all inconveniences and wishes to reiterate

that the safety of its passengers and crew are its topmost priority at all

times.

    Air Mauritius is the national carrier of the Republic of Mauritius. Created

in 1967, it currently operates a fleet of four A340-300, two A340-300E, two

A330-200, two A319-100 and two ATR72-500. Air Mauritius presently flies to

twenty-five destinations in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Indian Ocean

    Communications & Corporate Affairs, 3rd Floor, Air Mauritius Centre

President John F. Kennedy Street, Port-Louis, Republic of Mauritius

T +230-2077361/2   F +230-2135901   e-mail: com@airmauritius.com

    SOURCE: Air Mauritius