§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that the BA Concorde fleet is airworthy; and if he will make a statement. [133714]
§ Mr. MullinBritish Airways carry out regular inspections and maintenance on its Concorde aircraft in accordance with a programme which was determined at the time Concorde received its initial certification. The Civil Aviation Authority is therefore satisfied that the BA fleet of Concorde aircraft is airworthy. However, in the light of the recent accident, BA, in consultation with the CAA, carried out exhaustive tests on its Concordes overnight 25–26 July. These involved a range of engineering and systems checks, including the running of all engines; boroscope inspections of the engines; and visual inspections. These tests did not reveal any airworthiness problems.
Inspectors from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch are participating in the technical investigation of the accident being carried out by the French Bureau Enquetes Accidents. If the investigation identifies any additional action which is necessary to maintain the airworthiness of the Concorde fleet the CAA will take appropriate action.