Qld: Screaming Jets bring Impulse to screeching halt

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2000
Qld: Screaming Jets bring Impulse to screeching halt

By Chris Herde

BRISBANE, Aug 28 AAP - Impulse Airlines struck unexpected turbulence today when its
inaugural Brisbane to Sydney flight was disrupted by a rowdy rock group.

Australian rockers The Screaming Jets had to be escorted off the plane by Australian
Protective Services officers at Brisbane Airport, delaying the scheduled 7.30am takeoff
by more than an hour.

Impulse Airlines spokesman Simon Westaway said alcohol was confiscated from the four
members of the band, who he alleged had been abusive to other passengers and to flight
attendants.

He said the decision to delay the flight until 8.40am (AEST) was taken by the captain
as he was starting to taxi out.

"Our captain made the absolutely correct and only call," Mr Westaway said.

"If you have a bunch of idiots carrying on in a plane and it's going to affect passenger
amenity and more appropriately passenger safety, the captain made the call and that was
the right decision."

Members of the group told media at the airport they had only been trying to get the
other passengers to join in a sing-a-long of Puff the Magic Dragon.

Airport security interviewed the band.

Further comment from the band, which had been in south-east Queensland for a number
of performances, and its management was not immediately available.

Mr Westaway said Impulse had no commercial relationship with the band.

"They were just paying passengers like any normal passengers - they just so happen
to be a rock'n'roll band," Mr Westaway said.

"They obviously decided to act in a way similar to many British rock'n'roll bands who
enter this country by air."

Mr Westaway said it was unfortunate that the discount airline's first flight out of
Brisbane was delayed.

"It's obviously not what you want because what it does is upset the travel plans of
the other passengers on board," he said.

"It's very disappointing but we live on to fight another day."

AAP ch/sc/it

KEYWORD: IMPULSE LEAD

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.