Narrative:

While in cruise; purser called to report an odd noise coming from the overhead panel around the bulkhead between 1st class and economy. A few minutes later the purser called and reported that one of the aft flight attendants reported smelling 'sort of an electrical burning odor'. Through the course of several calls from the purser it was established that 2 flight attendants and a space available ground service employee all smelled the odor; and that it was moving further aft throughout aircraft. The captain determined; and I concurred; the best course was to declare an emergency and land [at the nearest suitable airport]. The captain was still flying; and I called and declared emergency and asked direct to [the nearest suitable airport]. ATC immediately gave us a left turn direct to the airport; which the captain via the autopilot started. In the turn the captain transferred control of the aircraft to me; and he proceeded to coordinate with other parties. ATC gave us pilot discretion to FL200 then FL100 then controlled our descent after that. During the descent; the captain and I briefed each other where we were at with the cabin; dispatch; and center and the captain re-assumed control of the aircraft as pilot flying. We continued descent into the airport receiving clearance direct to the 8 mile fix off the ILS flew the ILS and landed uneventfully. After landing; as there was no visible smoke or sign of immediate danger; we proceeded to a parking area and had passengers deplaned via an air stair.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A320 First Officer is informed by the Purser of a strange noise in the overhead and an electrical odor. After some discussion it is decided to divert to the nearest suitable airport. An uneventful landing ensues.

Narrative: While in cruise; Purser called to report an odd noise coming from the overhead panel around the bulkhead between 1st class and economy. A few minutes later the Purser called and reported that one of the aft flight attendants reported smelling 'sort of an electrical burning odor'. Through the course of several calls from the Purser it was established that 2 flight attendants and a space available ground service employee all smelled the odor; and that it was moving further aft throughout aircraft. The Captain determined; and I concurred; the best course was to declare an emergency and land [at the nearest suitable airport]. The Captain was still flying; and I called and declared emergency and asked direct to [the nearest suitable airport]. ATC immediately gave us a left turn direct to the airport; which the Captain via the autopilot started. In the turn the Captain transferred control of the aircraft to me; and he proceeded to coordinate with other parties. ATC gave us pilot discretion to FL200 then FL100 then controlled our descent after that. During the descent; the Captain and I briefed each other where we were at with the cabin; dispatch; and Center and the Captain re-assumed control of the aircraft as pilot flying. We continued descent into the airport receiving clearance direct to the 8 mile fix off the ILS flew the ILS and landed uneventfully. After landing; as there was no visible smoke or sign of immediate danger; we proceeded to a parking area and had passengers deplaned via an air stair.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.