Police Arrest Pilot Before Take-Off
Updated: 19:22, Sunday October 28, 2007
A passenger jet co-pilot has been arrested on suspicion of being over the legal alcohol limit.
The Virgin Atlantic Plane was delayed
Police boarded the Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600 at about 11am to arrest the pilot just before take-off.
The 266 passengers on board the flight from Heathrow Airport to Miami were delayed three and a half hours while a replacement flight crew was found.
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "At 11.16am officers arrested a 42-year-old crew member on board a Virgin Atlantic flight to Miami.
"He was arrested under section 94 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003."
He was later freed on bail but remains suspended from duty pending a police investigation, the airline said
A spokeswoman for the airline said: "Virgin Atlantic can confirm that one of its first officers has been released on police bail in connection with an allegation made this morning.
"Virgin Atlantic would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and would like to reassure passengers that the airline will be investigating this matter thoroughly in accordance with its strict company policies in relation to operational staff.
"The safety and security of its passengers and crew is Virgin Atlantic's top priority."
Airline regulations, in accordance with transport law, recommend flight crews drink no alcohol for at least eight hours before flying.
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