Did EasyJet Prevent Another Germanwings Flight 9525?

EasyJet has confirmed that it pulled a pilot from active duty after he apparently told friends that he was suicidal. His feelings were conveyed to the airline by his concerned friends. The airline spoke out to confirm that it had taken the pilot out of service and that it is investigating this issue.

Budget airline EasyJet has confirmed that it has removed a pilot from active duty after he allegedly told friends, “I’m suicidal,” The Sun reports.

The employee apparently revealed his feelings on a private WhatsApp group. It is believed that his friends then made contact with the airline over his concerning behavior.

However, the outlet reports that the pilot himself has informed the airline that he does not wish to take his own life.

The airline’s actions are seen as a precautionary measure following the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525. The jet was intentionally crashed into the Alps en route to Dusseldorf from Barcelona by co-pilot Andreas Lubitz back in March of 2015. In the wake of the crash, it was found that there were concerns over the state of Lubitz’s mental health.

Offering an official line for EasyJet, a spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We can confirm that the pilot was stood down from flying a number of days ago, in line with our procedures, while we investigate. We have offered support in the meantime. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is the airline’s highest priority.

“We offer support through an employee assistance program (EAP), Pilot Peer Support Program and we have a full Occupational Health provision across our UK & European network. We always take steps to ensure that EasyJet’s pilots fully fit to operate. All pilots are licensed under aviation regulators and as part of this are subject to extensive regular medical assessments which include mental health assessments,” they added.

[Featured Image: Alamy]