United flight UA135 was already crossing Atlantic when the crew decided to divert to London after experiencing control issue.
The United Airlines flight from Zurich to Newark departed today at 12:28 CEST accourding to flight tracking website.
The Boeing 767-300ER (registration N670UA) was already 2 hours and 30 minutes into the flight and cruising at 33,000 feet when it turned around.
According to source, the pilots were experiencing a flight control issue and preferred to divert to London Heathrow Airport instead of nearby airports, where it landed almost 5 hours after departure from Switzerland.
Why the flight flew all the way to London instead of a nearby airport?
Heathrow is the largest and best-equipped airport in the UK. LHR has better access to refueling and aircraft maintenance, which can be crucial if the diversion is due to technical issues.
Star Alliance also have strong presences at Heathrow, making it easier for partner airlines to coordinate then to continue travel from there.
Is the United Airlines Boeing 767 fleet too old?
It’s true AIRLIVE very regularly reports diversions or issues affecting United Airlines Boeing 767 aircraft.
United operates 37 Boeing 767-300ER, averaging 28.9 years old and 16 Boeing 767-400ER with an average age of 23.4 years according to Simple Flying.
Despite their age, United has invested in updating the interiors of its 767s. The 767-400ERs, for instance, feature Polaris business class suites and Premium Plus seating. However, older aircraft generally require more maintenance.
Amid tariff war causing new aviation challenges in finding suitable replacements, aircraft may remain in service longer than industry norms
