A BOEING 737 aircraft has been impounded for 3 1/2 years at Dublin airport, costing the taxpayer in the region of £250,000. But it may be set to take off early next year.
The plane was impounded in May 1993 under UN sanctions against some former Yugoslav states. It was on lease to a Turkish airline from Yugoslav Airlines and has subsequently been the subject of several court actions.
It is understood that while the aircraft was in Ireland it had to be maintained and insured by the Irish Government. The Estimates for next year show that spending on miscellaneous services will be reduced substantially, from £355,000 to £155,000. The cost of maintaining the aircraft was covered under this heading.
Last night a spokesman for the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications said that any monies expended by the Government would be recouped before the aircraft leaves Ireland.
The plane was leased to Bosphorous Airlines of Istanbul and came to Dublin for overhaul by TEAM Aer Lingus at Dublin Airport. Just as it was about to leave on May 28th 1993, the airline was told the aircraft could not go because it did not have authorisation from the Irish government.
Later the airline was told it was being impounded under UN sanctions against some of the former Yugoslav states.
In November 1993 the High Court heard that the pilot, who had been just about to leave, was told by radio that Aer Lingus could not allow the plane to leave because it did not have authorisation.
