Jet moved from runway

Jet moved from runway

MANILA (AFP): A crippled China Airlines Boeing 747 jet, whose landing gear collapsed on the runway of the international airport here, was removed from the runway yesterday, enabling the airport to resume operations, an official said.

Rodolfo Dimaano, airport assistant general manager, said workers were still clearing mud and debris from the runway but that he had recommended the airport be reopened by 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) yesterday.

The jet was taxiing on the runway on Tuesday when its landing gear collapsed, blocking the runway and forcing the closure of the airport to flights.

Airport operations terminal officer Joseph Agustin said about 50 incoming and outgoing flights were cancelled on Tuesday and yesterday due to the problem.

Dimaano said the damaged jet had been towed to a parking apron where it will be serviced.