Airliner Escorted To Canadian Military Base

Two F-15 fighters under the direction of NORAD intercepted a Korean Airlines Boeing 777 (similar aircraft pictured) Wednesday shortly after departing Vancouver, BC at approximately 0400 PDT. The intercept was due to a potential threat associated with the aircraft.

The fighters were scrambled out of Portland, OR. The Korean Airliner was intercepted, diverted and the aircraft was shadowed until it landed at Canadian Forces Base Comox at approximately 0530 PDT. The close and transparent coordination that exists within the NORAD agreement enabled this intercept to occur and is truly a testament to the strong relationship between the US and Canada.

NORAD Canada spokeswoman Maj. Holly Apostoliuk told CNN that the jets were scrambled from Portland, OR.

Korean Air spokeswoman Penny Phaelzer said that the 777 was the target of a bomb threat phoned into the carrier's Los Angeles call center about 25 minutes after the plane departed Vancouver. There were 134 passengers and 12 crew on board the flight headed for Seoul, South Korea.

The RCMP has joined the investigation. The airline has not yet determined if they will allow the flight to continue.

FMI: www.norad.mil