Print Preview : Scheduled flights of Helios continue as normal although passengers and crew feel unsafe

Scheduled flights of Helios continue as normal although passengers and crew feel unsafe
Helios Airways will carry on as normal, the airline`s Executive Chairman Andreas Drakos said at a press conference, adding that the cause of Sunday`s crash of one of the airline`s planes is not known at this stage.

Speaking at a press conference, he said two HELIOS airplanes left today (yesterday) for their destination and dismissed reports that the fleet had been grounded.

All our aircraft are properly certified and maintained in line with international regulations. The specific aircraft was checked before take off, he said, adding that HELIOS will cooperate fully with the team of experts and government authorities investigating the cause of the crash.

He explained that every aircraft is subject to scrutiny to the highest international standards and the fatal aircraft was duly inspected in line with standard procedures prior to departure.

Drakos extended deepest regrets to the families of the victims, he said the airline had followed international procedures and regulations as prescribed by Cyprus Civil Aviation.

In a written statement he read out, he said the passenger list was handed to the authorities in due time containing the date held by airlines all over the world as per international regulations.

Our priority was to make arrangements to look after the families. Yesterday it was a tragic day for all of us. We are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible tragedy, he said.

Police has raided the Larnaca offices of Helios Airways

Cypriot police has raided tonight the Larnaca offices of Helios Airways, owners of the Boeing 737 that crashed in Greece killing all 121 people on board.

Earlier today Attorney General Petros Clerides has issued warrants giving authorization for search at the premises of Helios Airways, in connection to Sunday`s crash of one of the airline`s planes, Marios Karoyan, director of the President`s Press Office has said.

After allegations brought by the Minister of Communications and Works and the Chief of Police, the Attorney General of the Republic has concluded it was necessary to issue warrants for search in the premises of Helios in order to attain documents or any other evidence which might be useful in the investigation of the possibility of penal offences, Karoyan said. Vicky Karantzavelou - Tuesday, August 16, 2005