Speculation in some sections of the UK media has led Virgin Atlantic to issue the following statement: ”Virgin Atlantic can confirm that the pilot who was questioned by police on 31 March 2007, following an allegation made at Heathrow Airport, will not be charged with any offence following the results of his blood test. Police have confirmed that his test was negative.
”Therefore, as no offence was committed, no charges will be brought. The pilot is now free to resume his duties at the airline immediately.
”Despite media reports, the pilot was never handcuffed at any stage and was never escorted off the plane by police officers.
”It is believed that a diet being followed by the pilot caused the initial positive reading during a preliminary breath test. Subsequent blood tests later confirmed that the amount of alcohol in his blood was the equivalent to that of a non-drinker.”
It is thought that the original interrogation by the police was brought about by ground workers making wrong assumptions and bypassing procedures. In a previous incident, not concerning Virgin Atlantic, a pilot was charged with respect to drinking following allegations by airline staff.