Engineer pictured fixing plane's engine with 'duct tape' by concerned EasyJet passenger

Budget airline insists that the areoplane was not structurally 'compromised'

EasyJet have said the plane was not compromised (AFP/Getty)

A photograph taken by a shocked easyJet passenger appearing to show ground crew repairing an aeroplane with duct tape shortly before its departure has gone viral.

The image, which has been widely shared online, was taken by Twitter user @adtomwood yesterday.

“Always worrying when easyJet are duct taping the plane together :-s #finaldestination," he wrote.

In the image a member of the ground crew in a fluorescent vest appears to be taping together one of the turbine engines.

Below his picture easyJet’s official Twitter account has commented: “Hi Please be reassured that the duct tape is in place as a result of some cosmetic work that is required to the aircraft”.

The spokesperson adds that it was “nothing structural” and in “no way compromises the safety of the aircraft”.

However, it appeared that the tape was later identified as “high speed metallic tape”.

Speed tape, as it is also known, is an aluminised pressure-sensitive tape used for minor repairs on aircraft and racing cars until a more permanent solution can be found. Resistant to water, solvents, flames, UV light and heat the tape can also be used to repair bullet damage to combat aircraft.

“The high speed metallic tape is in place as a result of some cosmetic work that is required to the aircraft paintwork,” a spokesperson for the budget airliner told the MailOnline. They added that “it is nothing structural and in no way compromises the safety of the aircraft.”

EasyJet could not be reached for comment.