Air China jet makes emergency landing in Winnipeg due to mechanical problem

WINNIPEG – Close to 300 people on a flight from Washington, D.C. to Beijing had an unexpected stop in Winnipeg when their plane suffered a mechanical problem.

Scott Marohn with the Winnipeg Airports Authority says the Air China Boeing 777-300 developed some type of problem with one of its two engines on Saturday evening and wished to land in the city.

Marohn says it was an emergency landing, but the plane landed safely and the passengers and crew stayed in Winnipeg overnight while Air China flew in another aircraft.

The passengers were scheduled to leave Winnipeg for Beijing on Sunday afternoon.

Marohn says Air China, as well as its partner in Winnipeg, Air Canada, are investigating the cause of the malfunction.