American Airlines plane has emergency landing in Stephenville

An American Airlines jet with no passengers on board had to make an emergency landing at Stephenville Airport Thursday evening.

According to the Stephenville Airport Corporation, emergency response crews were mobilized at 5:46 p.m. after receiving a call declaring the emergency.

The American Airline Airbus 333 with a crew of three and no passengers on board was being ferried from Italy to North Carolina and experienced mechanical failure to one of its two engines.

The aircraft landed safely at 6:04 p.m. without incident.

"Last night's emergency landing, once again demonstrates the major role that Stephenville Airport plays in servicing the transportation network for Newfoundland and Labrador," Brenda Martin, CEO and airport manager, said in a statement. 

"The airport's location, landing strip, favourable weather patterns and emergency response teams provide a necessary service that impacts the air transportation industry globally."

Bay St. George RCMP and fire and other emergency services were on standby in case they were needed.

As of early Friday afternoon, the Airbus was still on the Stephenville tarmac.