VA2 Todays arrival diveration.

[Gerald A]

Anyone know why todays VA2 diverated into PHNL. The flight plan has its EST time of arrival at 8:27am.

[Blair M]

Medical...baby decided to pop out @ 32,000ft....

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VAU2/history/20091114/0400Z/KLAX/PHNL

[Bob C]

I was watching VA2 on Flight Explorer last night and saw it do a 90 degree turn towards Hawaii and followed it for a while and later switched over to Flight Aware when it was about 200km from HNL.

I assumed some sort of medical emergency or tech problem but didn't post any details just in case it may have worried some people with relatives, friends etc on the flight.

BTW, what restrictions, if any, are there now for women travelling in late stages of pregnancy ? Perhaps the newborn was quite premature ?

[Andrew P]

for QF

Medical clearance is only required if you are having complications of pregnancy.

International travel is not permitted after the 36th week for routine pregnancies or the 32nd week for routine multiple pregnancies. Some countries place limitations on the entry of non-national pregnant women. It is best to check with the local consulate if in any doubt.

For domestic travel there is no restriction for a normal uncomplicated pregnancy but medical clearance is required if you wish to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.

[Adam G]

VA's policy...
http://www.virginblue.com.au/Personal/Flightinfo/BeforeYouFly/SpecialNeedsandAssistance/Flyingwhilepregnant/index.htm

[Marty H]

This was a bit of write up in our newsletter this week on the FL400 arrival.


A Very Special V Australia Delivery at 40,000 ft.

Crew on board were kept very busy on flight VA02 on route to Sydney from Los Angeles on Friday 13 November. At 5.30pm AEST, the OCC received a satellite phone call from the First Officer aboard VA02 advising that a Guest - Chloe Lorono - who was 30 weeks pregnant, was going into premature labour. The flight was approaching half way point between LAX and SYD at this time. At 7.00pm, the OCC was advised that flight crew had decided to divert to Honolulu so that the Guest could receive medical treatment ASAP.

Before the aircraft could arrive into HNL, Maria gave birth to a baby girl, with the help of three on board medical professionals, and of course, our crew. A big thank you to George Freischmidt, Emma Youngman, Chris Wise, Raj Pratap, Murray Smith, Fabian Lizza, Kelly Clarke, Joedi Lee Goncalves Afonso, Rochelle Crossley, Juan Luicir Conde, Kylie Stephens, Rebecca Kelly, Larnie Burgess, Fiona Lee, Anthony Sanburg and Lauren Thompson, who not only helped our Guests Maria and Kevin with the birth of their baby (and a name for her!), but also kept all the other Guests on board very happy amidst a diversion.

Maria and Kevin, and their new baby Amelia are doing well, and now out of hospital, and are very grateful to the crew for their efforts. Well done everyone in managing this unexpected arrival!

[Mike W]

^ Just love the V Aus term for Pax - "Guests" :cool:

[Mick F]

Comment retracted.

Cheers

Mick

[Sarah C]

The family were interviewed on the Today show on Tuesday. The mother and father were on the phone from HNL, and one of the passengers who assisted was interviewed. The names and the story of what happened were made public during the interview.

[Mick F]

Thank you for that Sarah. In that case I retract my comment towards Marty.

Mick

[Mick B]

Do V Australia use Medlink or someone similar?