TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Low-cost carrier airline Citilink Indonesia fired the pilot who was allegedly drunk at work on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, and incapable of flying a plane that serves the Surabaya-Jakarta Route.
Citilink CEO Albert Burhan said that the pilot, TP, had violated the employment law, Citilink's internal regulations, and Citilink's Human Resources policies.
"The pilot did not follow the standard operating procedure and potentially endangered passengers," Albert said during a press conference in West Jakarta on Friday, December 30, 2016.
Albert asserted that the pilot did not perform his duties professionally by showing up late for work. Based on an internal investigation conducted by Citilink and the Transportation Ministry, the pilot showed up 15 minutes before the departure.
Albert explained that a pilot should have stood by one hour before the departure to receive a briefing on weather and airplane condition.
"[A pilot must] also undertake medical tests," Citilink vice president of flight operational Capt. Fathahulah told journalists.
The pilot was also reportedly rambling when providing information before the plane’s departure. The condition had been apparent when he passed a metal detector during an initial checking process.
According to Albert, a number of airport officials reported the incident to Citilink's management and followed the pilot to the airplane. The Co-Pilot, who suspected the pilot’s condition, then asked for a pilot replacement.
Albert said that TP was unprofessional and tainted the company’s reputation by showing such a behavior.
"Based on the investigation results, the Citilink's management decided to terminate the pilot’s employment," Albert said.
EGI ADYATAMA