Japan Airlines’ drinking pilots prompt new alcohol tests

Japan Airlines will introduce new breathalyser tests for staff after pilots failed alcohol breath tests 19 times in little over a year, a revelation that has left the flag carrier scrambling to save its reputation. Yuji Akasaka, the president of the airline, is expected to announce measures on Friday to stamp out drinking by pilots before they fly. Nineteen pilots were found to have alcohol levels above 0.1 mg/L during the last 15 months in violation of airline policy, the Mainichi newspaper reported. There are no limits for pilots under Japanese law. A total of 12 flights were delayed as a result of positive breathalyser tests. A JAL spokesman said that a report would be submitted to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau detailing procedural changes to be implemented as a result of the scandal. One measure will be the introduction of more accurate breathalysers to test crew before a flight, the spokesman said, adding that the equipment had already been rolled out on domestic flights. “We understand that this is a very serious issue and safety is our top concern,” he said. “We are taking action and we aim to be able to win back the trust of our customers.”<br/>