Lufthansa aircraft avoids mid-air collision with Mexicana aircraft over Mexico.

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

An aircraft operated by German carrier Lufthansa managed to avoid a mid-air collision over Mexico two weeks ago.

The Boeing 747 aircraft was carrying 388 passengers from Germany to Mexico City's Juarez International

Airport on 7 October 2002, when the aircraft's collision warning system instructed the pilot to climb to avoid a Mexicana aircraft. Air traffic control reportedly asked the pilot to ignore his warning system, however the pilot decided to following the warning system - as instructed in training.

The Boeing aircraft reportedly passed the Mexicana Airbus A320 aircraft - carrying 120 people - by about 30 metres.

Mexican authorities are currently investigating the incident, reported Reuters.

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