A ground handling worker has died at Montreal International Airport in Canada after suffering a fatal accident on the airfield apron just minutes before a scheduled flight departure.
The fatal accident occurred while an aircraft was being towed into position for the departure of flight BF5761, a commercial service operated by French airline French Bee bound for Paris Orly Airport.
The worker was employed by Samsic Airport, a ground handling company contracted to provide support services at the facility. French Bee confirmed the worker's death in an official statement issued after the incident.
Airfield towing operations
French Bee expressed its deepest sorrow over the loss of the staff member. The airline stated in its announcement that the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal accident are currently under investigation by competent authorities.
Aircraft towing is a routine ground handling procedure used to maneuver planes safely across airport parking aprons, gate bays, and active taxiways. Specialized tow tractors connect to the aircraft nose gear to move the plane into position when it cannot taxi under its own engine power.
Ground handling responsibilities
Samsic Airport specializes in delivering technical and logistical support services at commercial airports. The company's responsibilities on the ground include handling passenger luggage, maneuvering aircraft in parking zones through towing operations, and managing passenger reception services.
Montreal International Airport serves as the main international gateway for Quebec, Canada, handling extensive long-haul passenger operations to European destinations including Paris.
French Bee is a French long-haul airline operating low-cost international flights primarily out of Paris Orly Airport, which is one of the primary international airport hubs serving France.
