Virgin pilot arrested over suspicion of drunkenness
Virgin is launching an investigation after one of its pilots was arrested on Saturday suspected of drunkenness.
The airline confirmed that one of its pilots has been released on bail.
A spokeswoman said he was due to operate a flight from Heathrow, but a replacement pilot was found and the flight took off an hour later than scheduled.
“Virgin will be investigating this matter thoroughly in accordance with its strict company policy in relation to operational staff. The safety and security of passengers and crew is our top priority.”
According to reports, the 47-year-old pilot was due to fly the VS003 flight to New York but police were alerted by security staff.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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