Ministry Doesn't Expect Damage to Gov't Aircraft Will Affect Operation of Fleet

Brussels, 18 December (TASR) - The Interior Ministry doesn't expect that the damage the government aircraft sustained at Brussels airport will affect the operation of the government air fleet, ministry spokesperson Matej Neumann told TASR on Thursday, adding that the incident occurred during the holiday season and a slowdown in the use of aircraft for work purposes. A replacement aircraft will be provided for the delegation of Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD). "The damaged Airbus is currently grounded at Brussels airport. We're assessing its technical condition and consulting with the manufacturer. The priority is to create the conditions for the aircraft to return to its home base as soon as possible and to repair it immediately," he said, noting that the damage isn't extensive, although an expert assessment is necessary. The government aircraft of the Interior Ministry's aviation unit, which on Wednesday (17 December) brought the prime minister to Brussels for the EU summit with the Western Balkans and the European Council meeting, was involved in an accident at Brussels airport when it was damaged by the aircraft passenger steps. am/df