Arrested, BA pilot ‘4 times over limit as he tried to fly’

A BRITISH Airways pilot has been accused of trying to fly a packed holiday jet while four times the alcohol limit.

Julian Monaghan, 49, was hauled out of the cockpit by armed police after cabin crew feared he had been drinking.

Concerned staff on the 300passenger flight called 999 shortly before take-off from Gatwick Airport on January 18.

The Boeing was destined for Mauritius, a 12-hour flight.

But Monaghan, a long-serving British Airways first officer, was allegedly over the limit when he stepped into the cockpit.

He was arrested and led off the craft in handcuffs. The incident delayed the flight’s departure by more than two hours.

A passenger aboard BA flight 2063 said: ‘Police rushed on to the plane and headed straight for the cockpit.

‘The first officer was cuffed and led away. A number of passengers were open- mouthed. It’s terrifying to think what might have happened.’

Yesterday Sussex Police said: ‘Julian Monaghan was arrested at Gatwick Airport’s north terminal on suspicion of performing an aviation function when the level of alcohol was over the prescribed limit.

‘He is charged with having 86mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system.’

The drink-drive limit is 80mg but the limit for pilots is 20mg.

Monaghan, who divides his time between South Africa and Harmondsworth, West London, is due to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, in Sussex, on June 6. He has not yet been asked to enter a plea.

First officers at the airline typically earn more than £60,000.

British Airways said: ‘We have taken this matter extremely seriously and will continue to assist the police with their inquiries. The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority.

‘Julian Monaghan no longer works for the airline.’

‘Passengers were open-mouthed’