NEW DELHI: Jet Airways has sacked two of its senior pilots who were involved in a mid-air brawl while operating a London-Mumbai flight on January 1. A pilot allegedly slapped a female commander, who came out of the cockpit, crying. The two were grounded after the incident.
Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already suspended the flying licence of the male pilot. The airline had earlier de-rostered the two even as it denied reports that they were a couple. The airline said there was a “misunderstanding” between the cockpit crew and the same was “resolved amicably” and “quickly”.
The Boeing Flight 9W 119, with 324 people on board, was operated by two commanders. Jet’s senior-most Boeing 777 commander was flying as co-pilot and his deputy was the commander of this flight. According to sources, the troubles of the two pilots may not end just here. Sources say that the DGCA has taken a very serious view of this unprecedented episode and the pilots may even lose their flying licenses. The ‘extreme’ measure for licensed professionals like pilots is cancellation of licence by the issuing agency (in this case, the DGCA) after which they can no longer operate flights and fly only as passengers.
Sources said that DGCA has taken action only against the male pilot because according to the preliminary inquiry, the lady commander left the cockpit after she was hit by the co-pilot. As per rules, one pilot can leave the cockpit as long as another is there. “She left when one pilot was still on the controls. However, the detailed probe will examine her role as well.”