I think Qantas has been under undue bad publicity. Since the previous incident where the 747-400 suffered had a huge hole ripped off from its fuselage, the press has followed subsequent Qantas mid-air incidents closely.

The most recent would be the A330-300 incident which occurred along the Singapore-Perth route. The most probably suspects are either clear air turbulence or flight control computer malfunction. However, I believe the press might have been chewing too intently on Qantas’s news trail.

Such incidents, which are reportable incidents to the related airworthiness agencies happen pretty frequently.

Just to name a few which occurred recently and hardly had any press attention (if any in the first place):

1) 04 Oct 08: American Airlines flight 2185 on landing blew 3 left main tyres

Safety report link here

2) 28 Sep 08: Airborne Express flight 133 struck a flock of birds at 8000FT, causing damage to wings and number 2 engine.

Safety report link here

3) 27 Sep 08: Northwest Airlines flight 60, on takeoff reported number 2 engine pylon covering separated from the aircraft.

Safety report link here

The list goes on but my point is Qantas is just as safe as any other reputable airlines. It will be very unfortunate if the business operation of Qantas is negatively affected by this recent increase in negative coverage. Let’s not forget Qantas still has no lost a jet before, I am keeping my fingers cross that this proud record will stay intact