While all 379 people onboard Japan Airlines JL 516 survived during the tragic collision that occurred at Haneda Airport (HND), two pets that remained in the burning A350 aircraft perished.
Japan Airlines has confirmed with local media that two pets were checked in on the fateful flight from New Chitose Airport (SPK) in Sapporo to HND Airport.
The airline said in a statement: “Regarding the checking in of pets, we take this responsibility with the understanding that we are taking care of a member of our customer’s family. We deeply apologize for the immense worry and inconvenience this incident has caused to our customers, their families, and all related parties.”
Although Japan Airlines did not confirm the types of pets that perished on the flight, A Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge, a Facebook group for aviation professionals, has claimed that it was a dog and a cat.
Japan Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin, so it is assumed that the pets in question were in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
