Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Jakarta was not flying aircraft, says Malaysia Aviation Group
Malaysia Aviation Group clarified that a pilot detained in Jakarta was not operating the aircraft, as he was traveling as an off-duty observer. The airline is responding to the incident by implementing mandatory drug screenings for all pilots.
Why it matters
Ensuring pilot fitness and safety is critical for airline operations and public trust in aviation security.
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has clarified that the Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in a recent incident was not operating the aircraft, saying flight safety was not compromised.
MAG said the individual was a second officer travelling in the cockpit jump seat as an observer and was not the pilot flying the aircraft.
The group said the individual had also been off duty for two days before the incident, adding that the aircraft was operated safely at all times by two qualified operating pilots.
“MAG views the actions of the individual as completely unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its personnel,” the group said in a statement today.
MAG president and group chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar said operational safety and crew fitness for duty remained non-negotiable at the group.
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