Durian. A passenger flying on a Lion Air flight from Indonesia’s Papua to Makassar has delivered a baby on board after 50 minutes departure from the departure airport, the airlines spokesperson said on Nov.15 in a statement.
Spokesperson of Lion Air Danang Mandala Prihantoro said Anastasia Geavani gave birth oboard Boeing 900ER with flight number JT -797 flying from Jayapura in Papua to Makassar in South Sulawesi.
The aircraft departed from Sentani International Airport in Jayapura at 1.35p.m. eastern Indonesia’s time on Nov.17 and after 50 minutes from taken off, Geavani’s friend called for help due to her stomach contraction.
Senior flight attendant and crew onboard immediately assisted Geavani, asking other passengers who have medical expertise to help.
Thankfully, there was one doctor onboard and immediately assisted the labor process. The baby was born safely at the back seats of the plane that were set for the labor process.
“The baby was born a few minutes later. Both the mother and child were in health condition. The rescue procedure was taking according to the standard operational (SOP) of the aircraft,” spokesperson Prihantoro said.
The pilot in command Eirstanto Prabowo and co-pilot Tanto Adi Prasetyo decided to make an emergency landing, diverting the flight to the nearest airport which was Pattimura International Airport in Ambon, Maluku.
Upon its arrival at Pattimura International Airport, the ground team was ready to welcome the mother and baby to be taken to the nearest hospital.
After about one hour transit in Ambon, the airplane continued its journey to Makassar where it’s arrived at Hasanudin International Airport safely.
“Lion Air would like to express its gratitude and highest appreciation to the cabin crew on duty, the doctor onboard the flight and ground handling in Ambon who handled the operations,” Prihantoro said.
