Airbus apologises after Chinese and Russian visitors allegedly barred from entering German aircraft
Chinese and Russian visitors were allegedly denied entry into an Airbus A400M military plane — owned by the German Air Force — during the Singapore Airshow last Saturday (24 Feb).
Source: @Defence_IDA on X
According to a Weibo post, a “German soldier” even pushed one of the Chinese visitors aggressively, causing the latter to sprain their foot.
Airbus has since apologised and promised all visitors access to the aircraft.
Chinese visitors share infuriating experience on social media
After allegedly being turned away from the aircraft, several Chinese visitors took to social media to air their frustrations.
In particular, Weibo user @PLAN_DDG172 claimed that an official for the German A400M military plane had explicitly yelled “Chinese go out”, asking Chinese nationals to leave.
Source: @PLAN_DDG172 on Weibo
The user added that a German soldier in the cabin had pushed them, causing them to sprain their foot and nearly fall off the aircraft.
Outraged by the alleged case of discrimination, the OP demanded an apology from Airbus and the German military.
The experience was not unique to the user, as TikTok user @moducity shared a similar incident that occurred on the same day.
In the video, a staff member told a Chinese visitor that he could not board due to “military restrictions”.
@moducity 【Chinese Tourists Denied Entry at Airshow? Airbus Responds with Apology】 On February 24th, several Chinese visitors at the Singapore Airshow reported that a German Air Force A400M transport aircraft refused boarding to Chinese tourists during the exhibition. Airbus, the company behind the aircraft, issued an official response on the evening of the 25th, stating that there were no longer obstacles for Chinese spectators to board and view the aircraft since the afternoon of the 24th. Airbus mentioned that upon learning of the situation, they promptly communicated and coordinated with relevant parties, improved the visitation process, ensuring the aircraft is accessible to all attendees. Airbus expressed deep regret for any inconvenience caused earlier during the on-site operations. #singapore #airshow #airbus #a400m #aircraft #news #china #2024 #fyp ♬ 原声 – Moducity
Another Weibo user also claimed that Russian visitors were barred from entering the same aircraft.
Airbus apologises & claims they have since improved accessibility
The following day (25 Feb), Airbus issued an apology on Weibo, expressing their deep regret for the inconvenience caused.
Source: @空中客车 on Weibo
The company stressed that it has since worked with relevant stakeholders to improve the visitation process. Additionally, the company stated that all visitors should be able to access the aircraft without any restrictions.
Also read: S$15 surcharge for taxi rides from S’pore Airshow on top of metered fare
S$15 surcharge for taxi rides from S’pore Airshow on top of metered fare
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Featured image from @PLAN_DDG172 on Weibo and @Defence_IDA on X.
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