On July 31, 2023, a Facebook page posted a claim that an image showed the last flight of Libyan Airlines. The post garnered around 347 interactions and 88 comments. Annir investigated the claim and found it to be misleading. The image was actually shared on the satirical website 9GAG on July 26, 2023, with a caption that read, "This is the last time I board a flight with this airline."
Annir conducted a reverse image search on Google and found that the image was from a Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Qantas Airlines. An article published on 9news in April reported that the image was of a Qantas plane and that the silver tape was used to protect the paint on the wing from chipping. A Qantas engineer was quoted as saying that the tape was licensed and used by many airlines.
The silver tape, also known as high-speed tape, is made of aluminum and is used for temporary and minor repairs on aircraft. It is not like regular adhesive tape and has special properties that make it suitable for use on planes. Annir verified the information and found that the tape was not a safety concern.
Libyan Airlines issued an official statement on July 31, 2023, denying the claim and stating that the image was not of any of their aircraft. The airline's statement was posted on their Facebook page. Annir concluded that the claim was misleading as it used an image from another airline and attributed it to Libyan Airlines.
The investigation by Annir highlights the importance of fact-checking and verifying information before sharing it on social media. The spread of misinformation can be rapid, and it is essential to be cautious when sharing images and claims online. In this case, the claim was found to be false, and the image was not related to Libyan Airlines.
Annir's investigation also found that similar claims had been made in the past, including one about a gold mine in Libya. The organization has been working to debunk false claims and provide accurate information to the public. The Libyan Airlines claim is just one example of the many misleading claims that have been circulating online.
In conclusion, Annir's investigation found that the image of the plane with silver tape was not of Libyan Airlines. The claim was misleading, and the image was actually from a Qantas Airlines plane. The organization urges people to be cautious when sharing information online and to verify the accuracy of claims before sharing them.
Key points
- The image of the plane with silver tape is not of Libyan Airlines but of a Qantas Airlines Boeing 787 aircraft.
- The silver tape used on the plane is a licensed and temporary solution for minor repairs.
- Libyan Airlines issued an official statement denying the claim and stating that the image was not of any of their aircraft.
