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The British Airline Pilots’ Association has spoken out against mental health rules, proposed in the wake of the 2015 Germanwings tragedy, saying they could be counterproductive. The new rules, proposed by EASA, could increase the stigma around pilot mental health and push the problem underground if pilots fear losing their jobs, BALPA said. They include new requirements that will strengthen pilot medical examinations to include drugs and alcohol screening, a comprehensive mental health assessment and improved follow-ups of previous psychiatric conditions. In addition, the training, oversight and assessment of aero-medical examiners will be stepped up and further measures will be put in place to prevent fraud. “We need to ensure these new rules support pilots and don’t demonise them,” BALPA said. <br/>

Albanian prime minister Edi Rama announced Monday that the country will have its own national airline operative by the end of the year. "The project has been strongly supported by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan," Rama said at the conclusion of a meeting with Ilker Ayci, president of Turkish Airlines' executive committee, which is offering technical assistance on the project. Rama didn't provide details, but said that "within the next 3 months we'll have a clear vision of everything, when and how it will start, and goals for future company growth". The plan is to start with flights connecting countries of the eastern Balkans and then grow with flights to south eastern Europe. Albania is also looking into the possibility of building another airport in Vlore, in the country's south, also with the support of the Turkish govt. <br/>