MAG says pilot held in Jakarta was not operating the flight
Malaysia Aviation Group says the pilot detained by Indonesian authorities was a second officer acting as an observer and had been off duty for two days before the incident.
PETALING JAYA – Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) says the pilot detained by Indonesian authorities was a second officer acting as an observer, and not one of the pilots operating the Kuala Lumpur–Jakarta flight late last month.
In a statement, MAG said the pilot had also been off duty for two days before the incident.
"The aircraft was safely operated at all times by two qualified pilots," it said here today.
"MAG views the actions of the individual as entirely unacceptable and contrary to the professional standards expected of its staff."
Mandatory urine screening
The group said it was strengthening its safety framework, including rolling out comprehensive urine screening.
"As an immediate measure, mandatory urine screening is being carried out on all Malaysia Airlines pilots, and more stringent screening will be conducted on all active pilots," it said.
Background
Earlier, a Malaysian pilot was detained by Indonesian authorities after he was suspected of attempting to smuggle about 25 kilogrammes of ecstasy along with a small quantity of syabu through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on July 27.
MAG's statement did not provide further details on the status of any charges against the individual.
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