AN aircraft had to make a return to Teesside Airport this afternoon after suffering a mechanical fault shortly after take-off.
The aircraft, which belongs to Draken – formerly Cobham Aviation Services, was forced to return to the airport at around 1pm after a technical fault occurred.
The Northern Echo understands that the flight crew were alerted to a fault, which has been confirmed as slow cabin depressurisation, before reaching an altitude of 10,000 ft.
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Airport bosses have since said the aircraft returned and landed safely, and that there had been no disruption to any of its operations, including commercial flights.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for Draken Europe said: “We can confirm that one of our aircraft experienced a slow cabin depressurisation this afternoon.
“In accordance with standard operating procedures, our experienced and professional crew made a precautionary recovery to the nearest airport – the aircraft’s home base at Teesside International Airport.
“We’re pleased to confirm that they landed safely, and without further incident.”
The airport’s emergency services were dispatched and the runway was inspected as per Civil Aviation Authority precautions following the return of the aircraft.
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A spokesperson for Teesside Airport added: “Shortly after an aircraft took off, it returned and landed safely at Teesside Airport. There has been no disruption to our operations.”
Draken Europe, which is based in Bournemouth but has a base at Teesside Airport, is well known for providing operational readiness training and helicopter support to the Ministry of Defence.
At the airport, the firm provides aviation services to government customers across the globe, while its services include training, maintenance and operations.
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