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Malaysia Aviation Group orders mandatory drug tests for its pilots
The first phase covers 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, with testing due to finish by Aug. 15.
Malaysia Aviation Group has ordered mandatory drug testing and stricter screening for pilots across its airlines after the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines pilot in Indonesia on alleged drug trafficking charges, according to Reuters.
The company said authorities detained the 39-year-old on July 28 after 26 kg of MDMA was found in his luggage on arrival in Jakarta from Kuala Lumpur, and urine tests also indicated he had been under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine, the customs office said.
MAG said it has begun the first phase of mandatory screening for 1,260 Malaysia Airlines pilots, with testing expected to be completed by August 15. Pilots who do not complete screening by the deadline will not operate flights until cleared under the company’s procedures and regulatory requirements, it added.
The mandatory program will complement MAG’s existing random testing and will be extended to all active pilots and cabin crew. MAG also said the detained pilot was an off-duty second officer traveling as an observer in the cockpit jump seat and was not the pilot flying the aircraft.