Thomson pilot arrested at Birmingham Airport on suspicion of being drunk

The 51-year-old was detained by police under aviation law and has been suspended by bosses at Thomson Airways.

The firm launched an internal investigation into the circumstances of his arrest.

Confirming the news today, West Midlands Police spokesman Peter Edney said: "A 51-year-old man was arrested on Sunday, February 10, at Birmingham Airport on suspicion of an aviation offence.

"He was later bailed pending further inquiries." Thomson Airways today said charges of an aviation offence brought against one of their pilots had been dropped.

Chloe Joint said: "Thomson Airways is aware that allegations of an aviation offence brought against one of our pilots have been dropped.

"However, we are continuing to conduct an internal investigation into the situation, and the pilot in question has been suspended. We are not able to comment further until our investigations are complete."

It was not known where in the airport the pilot was arrested, or whether it was the result of a tip-off or a random check. The news comes a few months after a 24-year-old Emirates stewardess was dismissed for being drunk on duty on a flight heading from Dubai to Birmingham.

Stephanie Partington, from Liverpool, admitted being unable to perform her duties due to drink when she appeared before Solihull Magistrates Court last September.

She was fined £110 and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Pilots and cabin crew operating in the UK are governed by the aviation section of the Railways and Transport Act 2003.