China Eastern Flight's Near Miss at Amsterdam Schiphol: A Wind Shear Incident

By Ivan PetrenkoJan 18, 2024 01:30 AMNews
Share:
China eastern airliner on airfield
China eastern airliner on airfield. Source: unsplash

A tense moment unfolded at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) when a China Eastern Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, arriving from Shanghai, was forced into a go-around maneuver on January 15th. This decision, made during a crucial phase of landing on runway 27, was attributed to a sudden loss of stability, likely due to wind shear conditions.

Turbulent Approach and Safe Landing

Flight MU771, which originated from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), experienced almost 12 hours of flight time before facing the challenging landing situation. The Boeing 777-300ER, recorded by Flightradar24, had left Shanghai at 12:15 and was scheduled to land in Amsterdam. However, the pilots had to execute a go-around – an uncommon yet crucial procedure for ensuring flight safety. This maneuver resulted in a delay, but the aircraft successfully landed 10 minutes later at 17:08. Subsequently, the return flight to Shanghai was also delayed, departing at 13:48 instead of the scheduled 11:30.

The Go-Around Procedure Explained

A go-around is a vital safety protocol in aviation, involving an aborted landing attempt. It can be initiated either before or after the aircraft's wheels make contact with the runway. Various factors, such as wind shear or runway obstructions, can necessitate this action. During a go-around, pilots apply full thrust, retract the landing gear, and adjust the flaps while coordinating with air traffic control. Statistically, go-arounds are rare, occurring in approximately three out of every 1,000 approaches.

China Eastern's Fleet and Operations

The aircraft involved, registered as B-2022, was delivered to China Eastern Airlines in July 2015. It has a capacity of 316 passengers, featuring a three-class layout. China Eastern, with a fleet of 20 Boeing 777-300ERs, utilizes these aircraft for various routes, including destinations like Paris, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Chengdu. Alongside the 777-300ERs, their widebody fleet includes Boeing 787s, Airbus A330-200s, A330-300s, and A350-900s.

China Eastern's service between Shanghai and Amsterdam, operating once daily, competes with KLM's daily service on the same route. The latter, however, experiences longer flight times due to the current inability to fly over Russian airspace.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM