yesterday afternoon after developing engine trouble.

The twin engine Merlin III was flying to Boston when it developed problems which forced the pilot to shut off one engine.

The crew of two headed back to the International Airport, where two fire engines were on emergency standby, and landed safely at 1.50 p.m.

Airport Operations manager Marshall Minors said the plane was used by various courier companies to transport their mail.

He said: "The Merlin III is a very reliable aircraft quite capable of flying on one engine.''