As proven on a recent flight…
On 15 December, KLM B787-9, registration PH-BHA operated flight KL685 AMS-MEX, with 259 passengers. There were around 100 pigs in the cargo hold.
Enroute at FL350 over the Atlantic Ocean, about 70nm north of Bermuda, when the crew decided to divert to Bermuda reporting "obnoxious smell from cargo coming from pigs probably, which may have something to do with the oxygen environment in the cockpit". They did not declare a Mayday or a PAN and no emergency services were needed on landing. However, the pigs most likely needed to be unloaded. The aircraft landed safely on Bermuda's runway 12 about 45 minutes later.
The aircraft remained on the ground in Bermuda for about 30.5 hours before continuing the flight to Mexico City.
Bermuda's government stated that they are committed to care for all visitors, whether they walk on two legs or trot on four. While the passengers and crew were taken to hotels, the pigs to a secure location on the island during their impromptu holiday stayover. The pigs were subsequently picked up by KLM B777 a few days later and transported to MEX.
So, why were pigs being transported on a passenger flight? No one seems to have a definitive answer. Information is circulating that in their efforts to become more sustainable, the Dutch Government is cutting back on processing live animals for human consumption. Instead, they are shipped to other countries where the job is done and the meat returned to The Netherlands. Another suggestion was that they were being shipped for genetic reasons (breeding improvements).
If you are familiar with The Aviation Herald, the comments below each report are very informative, but often full of nonsense. Here’s an extract to see if we can better understand the reason for this problem.
One contributor, possibly a B777 Pilot, offered theory “787 forward and aft compartments are both heated and used for mix of animals and container freight. Bad idea/design”. His comments about B777 having different heating and air recirculating systems meant this problem would not arise with that aircraft. His closing comment “don’t send a boy to do a man’s job”!
Someone provided a logical explanation that as air pressure affects humans, so it can be a problem with pigs too.
Would be very interesting to hear Captain’s PA announcement and read his report…
In other news…
Boeing – theory circulating that merger with McDonnell Douglas 28 years ago signalled the start of the company’s problems. The suggestion is Boeing unwisely allowed MD to run the company. If this is true, why would Boeing merge with such a badly run company as MD, then allow its board to takeover…
Drones – mass hysteria is taking hold in USA, as there have been claimed sightings of drones, alleged to be operated by China and Russia. Many commercial pilots have taken to social media to debunk this theory. They have included pictures from New York skies which show commercial aircraft with their usual lighting configuration. There are even reports that the supposed drones have been shot at and lasers shone at the pilots. Understandably, these pilots have demanded that immediate action is taken against the perpetrators.
Think about it, a bullet fired into the air must impact somewhere. If not into a fuselage, then possibly someone on the ground!
Finally…
PIA – still no sign of UK flights returning but there’s speculation on how the airline will return. It appears that GLA has sent a delegation to discuss what they can offer passengers. It’s suggested LHE-MAN-GLA-MAN-LHE will offer the ability to bypass LHR. Watch this space!
Information courtesy of The Aviation Herald, Flight Aware
Images courtesy of Sugest, NBC News
©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers