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United Airlines (NYSE:UAL) today issued the following statement regarding a clear-air turbulence incident overnight onboard UA Flight 862, a Boeing 747-400 from Sydney, Australia to San Francisco:
"United can confirm that flight UA862, a Boeing 747-400 that departed Sydney on May 1st at 1:35PM (Sydney time) encountered clear-air turbulence approximately three hours into its flight. Clear-air turbulence is not currently detectable by even the industry's most sophisticated weather technology. The flight diverted to Auckland Airport in New Zealand and landed safely without further incident at 11:06PM (Auckland time).
"United Airlines staff at Auckland airport met flight UA862 when the aircraft arrived and ambulances were standing by to transport injured crewmembers and customers to local hospitals. Seven injuries were reported, including two United Flight Attendants. Four of the five have what local medical officials called minor injuries such as cuts, bruises and lacerations. The fifth, a crew member, suffered multiple fractures and has been classified in a moderate condition, at an Auckland Hospital. Two of the injured taken to the hospital have been treated and released. The remaining two passengers were treated at the airport on arrival before being taken with the other passengers to local hotels.
"The safety of passengers and crew is always the company's number one priority. United's teams in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. worked closely with the crew to establish a response plan that enabled the aircraft to land as soon as possible so as to ensure that all injuries were dealt with quickly.
"United over-nighted the customers and crew in Auckland, New Zealand and the flight is scheduled to depart Auckland, May 2nd at 6:30PM (Auckland time) with a 10:55AM (pacific time) scheduled arrival in San Francisco.
"There were 269 passengers and 21 crew members onboard flight 862."
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