THE Worcester airliner captain in command when a BA jet crash-landed has spoken about the incident and praised his team for the way they handled the event.

At a press conference held today at British Airways' headquarters in west London, Capt Peter Burkill arrived to spontaneous, deafening applause from BA staff.

He spoke about the moments after the Boeing 777 was forced to make a crash-landing at Heathrow airport on Thursday.

"As British Airways flight and cabin crew we are trained on a regular basis to deal with emergency situations," he said. "We have procedures to follow and everyone knows their role.

"Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on board. I am proud to say every member of my team played their part expertly."

Capt Burkill praised his co-pilot, John Coward, who was in control of the plane as it made its landing, saying: "He did the most remarkable job."

All passengers were evacuated from the aircraft as it lay stricken on the runway, and only 13 people were injured.

"I want to thank the passengers too for their calmness and good sense in extremely unfamiliar circumstances," he said.

"I wish those who suffered injury a speedy recovery."

Capt Burkill, 43, lives with his wife Maria and their three sons - two-year-old Troy, 18-month-old Logan and two-month-old Coby - at their house in King Stephens Mount, St Johns.

Neighbour Valerie Firminger described him as a "really nice chap."

"He is a charismatic family man and all you would expect a pilot to be," she said. "He is good-looking, so this event will be a good excuse to hug him when he gets back."

The pilot and his wife moved into the riverfront property about 18-months-ago and, according to Mrs Firminger, plan to make Worcester their home.

"When he is not working and flying he is doing things around the house," said Mrs Firminger. "He is quite a handy man.

"Maria is lovely, she is very capable and full of life. I think she was a bit wobbly when she heard what had happened, but she is used to coping with stress as she is a paramedic.

"I'm sure she is fine, though."

An investigation is now being carried out to try and ascertain the events surrounding the emergency landing of the flight from Beijing, China.