Air Transat has been granted a licence to operate a passenger service between Georgetown and Toronto but concerns have been raised about the Canada-based airline following the recent emergency landing of one of its planes.

Air Transat previously had a similar service here from June to December last year. When this expired the airline applied to the Civil Aviation Department for a renewal of its licence. The carrier is expected to recommence its service here in December.

Two weeks ago the airline was slapped with a Cdn$250,000 fine by the Canadian authorities for improper maintenance of its Airbus jet. The same day, Air Transat passengers filed a class action suit seeking Cdn$50 million in damages for alleged physical and psychological injuries suffered during a flight.

The Canadian press reported that 291 passengers endured a terrifying flight last month when the Air Transat jet had to make an emergency landing. The fine was imposed for the improper maintenance of the Airbus jet, the newspaper reported. According to the newspaper, "the penalty was for a decision to put the plane back into service after a new engine was installed using incompatible parts."

After the emergency landing of the aircraft 11 persons were taken to the hospital for treatment from the trauma suffered.

A few days later, after an engine change, the same aircraft ran out of fuel but managed to glide safely to an airstrip.

Another flight had to be turned back because an indicator showed one of the landing gears was not closing properly.