Hmm, why...
A great glide ratio - OK. But.
They have just one attempt only. If failed...
The precise calculation, correction maneuvers - I know.
But if mistaken there is no go around.
Considering terrain outside the strip...
Still impressed.

BTW, was that plane written off?
Roman
P.S. Actually, I am the glider sport pilot so I know quite well what it
is about to land without engines :-)
IMHO a jet plane with 300+ passengers aboard hardly be compared to a glider.

Robert M. Gary wrote:
I"m not sure why its such a surprise. The A330 has a great glide ratio.
The pilots had lots of good tools (speed brakes etc) to place their
landing. As I recall, they almost ended up being too high.

-Robert, CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)