SriLankan suspends drunk pilot

SriLankan Airlines, in a statement yesterday, confirmed that one of its captains who was due to operate UL554 from Frankfurt  to Colombo on 19 August failed to pass a Breathalyzer (alcohol test) carried out by the authorities at Frankfurt Airport in Germany. 

The statement said that upon receiving the results, SriLankan Airlines took immediate steps to suspend the services of the captain and took alternative measures to operate the flight to Colombo.

“SriLankan Airlines has a well-established strict substance abuse policy that is designed to put the safety of our customers and employees first. The airline has no tolerance for abuse or violations of this policy and accordingly the airline will thoroughly investigate this matter, whilst extending its fullest co-operation to the law enforcement authorities in Germany. The crew member concerned has been suspended and will be withheld from operating services pending the outcome of the investigation,” the statement read.

“SriLankan Airlines would like to reassure its customers that the safety of passengers and crew are the paramount consideration of the airline and will not be compromised under any circumstances.”