Qantas flights endure repair delays

Sydney -- At least nine flights by the Australian national airline Qantas have been delayed due to necessary repairs or maintenance problems, officials said Friday.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said while last-minute technical problems caused lengthy delays of Qantas flights this week, the airline was merely ensuring a safe flight for those involved, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

"I think that quite clearly, Qantas themselves regret any disruption that occurs but it is important also to put this in perspective," Albanese said.

"Australia has a second-to-none safety system and it is certainly in Australia's national interest for Qantas to not be talked down."

The three flight delays came as six other Qantas planes have been grounded due to unspecified problems with maintenance procedures.

The airline's maintenance issues also come in the wake of an in-flight incident on a Qantas jetliner in which a oxygen bottle exploded and created a hole in the plane's side, the broadcaster said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.