Airbus issues apology after Chinese & Russian visitors allegedly denied entry from military plane at Singapore Airshow
Airbus apologizes for barring Chinese attendees from German military aircraft at Singapore Airshow. Reports also claim Russian visitors faced similar restrictions. In its apology, Airbus promises corrective action.
SINGAPORE: Airbus has issued an apology subsequent to claims made by Chinese attendees that they were prevented from accessing a German military aircraft during the Singapore Airshow held on Saturday (24 Feb).
Several posts circulating on Chinese social media platform Weibo highlighted grievances from visitors who alleged they were denied entry to view an Airbus A400M transport aircraft operated by the German air force.
The complainants further asserted that individuals of Russian nationality also faced similar restrictions.
Chinese & Russian visitors allegedly denied entry into German military plane
In one Weibo post dated Saturday (24 Feb), user @PLAN_DDG172 recounted being turned away from the aircraft after queuing up for a viewing, alleging that staff selectively checked the nationalities of individuals who appeared to be Chinese.
Allegedly, those identified as Chinese were explicitly instructed to leave the queue, with staff apparently saying "Chinese go out."
Additionally, the user reported that while in the cabin, they were allegedly pushed by a German soldier, resulting in a sprained foot and nearly falling off the aircraft.
Expressing anger over the purported discrimination, the user insisted on apologies from both Airbus and the German military.
Meanwhile, a video circulated on TikTok captured an individual wearing an Airbus lanyard querying a man about his nationality as he attempted to access the "German aircraft."
Upon disclosing his Chinese nationality, the staff member purportedly cited "military restrictions" as grounds for denying entry.
Another user on Weibo claimed that Russian guests faced similar restrictions and were not allowed to enter the aircraft.
https://www.tiktok.com/@moducity/video/7339761452338728194?embed_source=71929436%2C121374463%2C121402909%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_blank&refer=embed&referer_url=mustsharenews.com%2Fairbus-apologises%2F&referer_video_id=7339761452338728194
Airbus apology
In response to the escalating controversy, Airbus issued a statement via its official Weibo account on Sunday (25 Feb), expressing regret for the situation and affirming corrective measures.
The aircraft manufacturer acknowledged the grievances raised by visitors and promptly liaised with relevant parties to rectify the visitation process, ensuring unrestricted access to the aircraft for all attendees.
"We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by previous on-site work and thank everyone for your continued attention and feedback," Airbus stated, emphasizing its commitment to fostering a trustworthy relationship with the Chinese aviation industry.
Subsequent reports from Chinese daily The Global Times indicated that Chinese visitors were able to access the A400M aircraft without impediments from Saturday afternoon onward, signifying the resolution of the issue.
For further updates, Airbus encourages affected parties to engage through its official communication channels.
