PAL: LA-bound flight diverted to Japan

A Philippine Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles was diverted to Japan before dawn Friday due to a malfunctioning exhaust fan in the flight deck. In a press statement, PAL said PR-102 was diverted to Sapporo, Japan at 5:22 a.m. (Manila time), adding a team of mechanics was sent to do repairs. "The Boeing 747-400 with 44 business class and 383 economy class passengers departed Manila at 10:10 p.m. on 04 August 2011. A few hours into the flight, the flight deck crew noticed the exhaust fan problem. To prevent possible overheating of aircraft components and to ensure passenger safety, the pilots decided to divert to Chitose Airport in Sapporo, northern Japan," PAL said. It added the affected passengers were accommodated in nearby hotels while waiting for the aircraft to be cleared for flight. PAL said the estimated departure from Sapporo with new flight number PR-902 is 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The flight is expected to arrive in Los Angeles at 10:10 a.m. the same day, PAL said. A return flight to Manila via Honolulu (PR-903) will depart Los Angeles at 12:10 p.m., and is expected to arrive in Manila at 7:40 p.m. Sunday. Passengers will be advised accordingly for any changes in these schedules, it said. PAL said those seeking more information may call PAL reservations at 855-8888 or log on to www.philippineairlines.com; www.facebook.com/flypal; or www.twitter.com/flypal. — LBG, GMA News