Japan Airlines (JAL) said it will suspend high-risk pilots if their liver functions deteriorate beyond certain levels, as the carrier announced stricter safety measures after international flights were delayed due to a drinking incident involving a pilot.
JAL submitted a set of measures to prevent a repeat of the latest case in August, in which the pilot drank alcohol and was unable to operate a flight from Hawaii to Japan. The flight he was supposed to pilot had to be delayed for about two hours, while two other flights bound for Tokyo’s Haneda airport from Honolulu were also delayed for over 18 hours. He was later fired.
Pay cut for JAL executives
JAL in mid-September also took an unusual step of disciplining 37 executives including its president, all board directors and executive officers, by cutting their pay, after this episode.
JAL said, “Internal reforms to raise safety awareness were insufficient” despite its efforts to root out such episodes.
Warning from transport ministry
The lapse also prompted the transport ministry to reprimand the airline and require it to report on safety steps to avoid a recurrence, after different pilots attempted to conceal excessive preflight drinking.
Six pilots have already been suspended from flying, according to JAL.
While acknowledging that its measures so far against preflight drinking by pilots have not been effective, it also admitted fault for having unilaterally imposed stricter rules on its employees without proper consultation.
The management team initially sought to require pilots to pledge in writing that they will steer clear of alcohol-related trouble. But the plan met internal opposition, according to people familiar with the situation.
JAL said it will set up a consultative framework with labour to discuss how best to implement effective measures.
Pilots say drinking alcohol helps them relax
Some pilots say drinking alcohol within allowed limits can help them relax after long international flights. Others see it as part of their way to endure demanding working schedules when there are not enough pilots to keep up with the growing demand for air travel.
In December, JAL banned its pilots from drinking during their stays before return flights.
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