An Air Europe Italy purser was off-loaded by the Captain and removed from the jet-way area by police last week in Rome, for failing to follow the Captain's instructions regarding flight deck security. The details are still emerging but reliable sources say that the flight was from Milan via Rome to the Maldives. During the Milan-Rome portion the purser brought a "visitor" on to the flight deck with out the Captain's permission and against current company policy (flight deck doors cannot be locked at Air Europe because the company has not issued keys to staff - keys are needed in case of pilot incapacitation).
When the flight landed in Rome the Captain called the purser to the flight deck to discuss the infraction and some other shortcomings of this particular individual. The purser became very angry and would not listen to what the Captain had to say or follow his instructions regarding security.
At the prospect of a 9 hour flight to the Maldives with this uncooperative purser, the Captain had no choice but to off-load him.
After his removal from the flight the purser tried to organize dissension amongst the other cabin crew from the jet-way, the Captain told him to leave the area and when he refused the Captain called the police to have him removed. The flight continued to the Maldives without any further incident.
On arrival in the Maldives the Captain received a fax from Air Europe to inform him that he was suspended due to his off- loading the purser in FCO and would not be allowed to travel back to Milan on an Air Europe flight. The Captain was effectively left stranded, had to contact the British Consular offices in Male to assist him to return to Milan.
On his arrival back in Milan the purser was assigned another flight without any action being taken against him by Air Europe.
On his eventual arrival back in Milan courtesy of Lauda Air, the Captain was FIRED
The Captain is now seeking legal advice.
My Grandad once told me, "In the war the Italian tanks had 1 forward gear and 10 reverse".............