AUSTRALIA'S Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa) officials announced a special review of Qantas after three mid-air dramas in two weeks threatened to tarnish the Aussie carrier's safety record.

The investigation came as flight attendants asked top company officials for assurances that its planes were safe.

Qantas prides itself on having never lost a plane in an accident. But recent incidents including a mid-air blast that ripped a hole in the fuselage have dented its image.

Though recent audits do not show any problems, Casa felt it was "prudent" to make extra checks. -- AFP