EasyJet has grounded a pilot after he reportedly told friends he was feeling suicidal.

The airline made the decision after being alerted to a number of concerning messages he had sent to a WhatsApp group with friends.

In the messages it is believed he told them he was ‘probably going to kill myself’.

However, he has since told bosses he is not suicidal, according to The Sun.

Concerns have been raised around the mental health of flight crew members after a Germanwings co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, flew into a mountain in the French Alps in 2015.

A total of 144 passengers and six crew members, including the 27-year-old pilot who had suffered with depression, died in the tragedy.

An easyJet spokeswoman said: ‘We can confirm that the pilot was stood down from flying several days ago, in line with our procedures, while we investigate.

‘We have offered support in the meantime.

‘The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is the airline’s highest priority.’

According to The Sun, the pilot will undergo rigorous mental health checks before he will be able to return to work.

A source said: ‘We take zero chances with our pilots. Anyone sharing suicidal thoughts in private deserves help and assessment’.

The spokeswoman added that the airline offers support through employee assistance and pilot peer programmes.

‘We have a full occupational health provision across our UK and European network,’ she said. ‘We always take steps to ensure that easyJet’s pilots are fully fit to operate.

‘All pilots are licensed under aviation regulators and as part of this are subject to extensive regular medical assessments which include mental health assessments.’

Source: Read Full Article