Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-07-22 10:29Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant operational error by China Eastern Airlines (CEA) during a peak travel period, which resulted in a flight returning to its departure airport due to a maintenance oversight regarding the landing gear safety pin [2][5][6]. Group 1: Incident Details - On July 20, CEA's MU735 flight from Shanghai to Sydney experienced a delay of nearly 4 hours after returning to Shanghai due to circling over the East China Sea and subsequently landing back at Pudong Airport [2][5]. - The flight, which covers a distance of approximately 7,879 kilometers, typically has a flight duration of around 10 hours and 20 minutes [2]. - The incident was attributed to a failure to remove the landing gear safety pin, a critical safety measure before takeoff [5][6]. Group 2: Safety Protocols - The landing gear safety pin is an essential safety device that prevents the landing gear from retracting unexpectedly during flight, similar to a handbrake in a car [7]. - CEA's maintenance protocols include a pre-flight checklist that mandates the removal of the landing gear safety pin, tire pressure checks, and other safety inspections [7]. - The oversight in this incident could lead to severe consequences for the responsible maintenance personnel, as safety is a non-negotiable aspect of aviation operations [6]. Group 3: Industry Context - The incident occurred during the busy summer travel season, a critical period for airlines, which often leads to increased operational pressures and potential for errors [9][10]. - CEA has been actively increasing its flight capacity during this peak season, with plans to operate over 3,200 flights daily, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the previous year [9][10]. - The airline has also announced the opening of 38 new domestic routes and additional international flights to meet rising travel demand [10]. Group 4: Financial Outlook - CEA has projected a significant financial loss for the first half of 2025, estimating losses between 1.2 billion to 1.6 billion yuan [11].