An Air Atlanta Europe Boeing 747 freighter operated by Saudia Cargo rejected takeoff from Riyadh on 22 April 2024 after mistakenly attempting takeoff from a taxiway.
The Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft was being operated under lease by Saudi Arabian Airlines and conducting Saudia Cargo flight SV953 to Nairobi, Kenya.
Saudia Cargo Flight SV953 Riyadh
Flight SV953 had received a clearance for a departure from RWY 33R at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
The aircraft had taxied per the ground clearance via taxiway G to runway 33R, and misidentified the parallel taxiway K for the runway.
The aircraft had commenced its takeoff roll before the error was identified. Flight crew then conducted a rejected takeoff at high speed (over 110 kt).
Rejected Takeoff at High Speed
The Boeing 747-400 came to a stop just before reaching the end of the taxiway. Taxiway K has a stated length of 1490 m. It is understood the aircraft came to rest within 1450 m.
The flight was aborted and the aircraft subsequently returned to the apron hardstanding. The aircraft reportedly remained grounded for some time following the takeoff incident.
The Saudi Arabian aviation regulator AIB has now opened an investigation into the incident.
Boeing 747-400 9H-AKF
The aircraft which conducted the aborted SV953 rotation to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JMO) is a Boeing 747-400, registered 9H-AKF.
This is a 29.4-year-old dedicated freighter aircraft belonging to the carrier Air Atlanta Europe. It was operating under lease by Saudi Arabian Airlines at the time of the incident.
The aircraft has been in operational service under lease since November 2022.
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