Snake on a plane! A Virgin Australia flight from Broome to Perth experienced an unexpected delay on Thursday morning when a python was discovered onboard.
The incident, which involved a lone stowaway Stimson’s python was handled calmly by a seasoned TV personality who happened to be aboard the flight.
A TV Personality and a Stowaway Python
Andre Rerekura, a well-known figure in Australian television, was among the passengers on the Virgin Australia flight. Rerekura has a background in conservation and stars on Disney’s ‘Shipwreck Hunters Australia’.
When the snake was spotted slithering down the aisle of the Boeing 737, he stepped in to assist the crew. With a cool head and expert handling, Rerekura carefully captured the reptile and placed it in a bag.
Virgin Australia VA1482 Broome-Perth
Virgin Australia flight VA1482, operated by a Boeing 737-700 was preparing to depart from Broome International Airport, in the northwest of Western Australia. The flight was a scheduled service to the capital city of Perth.
The incident caused a 20-minute delay as the plane was grounded until the snake was removed. However, thanks to Rerekura’s swift action, the situation was resolved without any major distress to passengers or crew.
All in a Day’s Work
The unexpected passenger, a non-poisonous Stimson’s python, is a small to medium-sized snake native to Australia. It is well-adapted to arid environments and is commonly found in central and Western Australia.
A spokesperson for Virgin Australia acknowledged the incident, stating, “In this scenario, crew would typically report the incident and call a professional to remove the wildlife from the aircraft. On this occasion, a passenger removed the snake while this process was underway.”
The airline thanked its passengers for their patience and cooperation during the unexpected disruption.
Rerekura, who has a background in wildlife conservation, later shared his experience on social media. He praised the calm and professional response of the flight crew and passengers.
“It was a bit of an unexpected adventure,” he joked. “But it’s a reminder that even on a commercial flight, you never know what you might encounter.”
This unusual occurrence has certainly added another interesting chapter to the annals of air travel. While it may have caused some initial alarm, the quick response and expertise of Andre Rerekura ensured a safe and timely resolution.
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