Two Japan Airlines pilots caught exceeding alcohol limit and significantly delay flight

A flight to Melbourne was delayed by over three hours earlier this month after two pilots tested above the alcohol limit. Flight JL774 was due to fly out from Melbourne, Australia to Tokyo, Japan on 1 December at 7.20am local time, however, it did not depart until 10.31am. Japan Airlines confirmed to Aviation A2Z that the delay was due to two unnamed experienced male captains having alcohol levels that exceeded the company’s limit. Both pilots conducted self-administered breath tests at their hotel around 5am local time, finding the exceeding alcohol limits. Captain A initially asked for a shift delay due to illness, while Captain B left for the airport, according to the outlet. Additional airport testing confirmed that Captain B had elevated alcohol levels, requiring multiple tests before a safe reading was finally obtained by 8.15am. After retesting at the hotel, Captain A then also cleared the alcohol limit and arrived at the airport around 6am, the outlet says. The flight ultimately departed Melbourne three hours and 11 minutes after it was scheduled, and arrived in Tokyo at 5.57pm local time. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft had 103 passengers onboard, with 11 crew members, including two captains, one co-pilot, and eight cabin attendants.<br/>