SpiceJet, an Indian airline, has suspended two of its pilots for allegedly consuming coffee and pastries inside the cockpit, a situation that could have been disastrous had one of the hot drinks spilled.
People online were outraged after seeing a photograph of an uncovered cup with the airline’s logo placed dangerously close to the control levers inside the cockpit.
The pilots, whose faces are not visible in the photos, were also holding gujiyas, a sweet fried pastry traditionally eaten during the Hindu festival Holi, which was held on March 8 this year.
Pilots were suspended after photos surfaced of them drinking hot coffee and eating pastries in the cockpit.
According to a SpiceJet statement, both pilots have been removed from the roster pending an investigation.
“SpiceJet has a strict policy (regarding) food consumption inside the cockpit, to which all flight crew adhere. Following the completion of the investigation, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken,” the spokesperson said.
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Shakti Lumba, a retired pilot and former head of operations for Indian carrier IndiGo, said the pilots’ “feel-good social media photo-op” was “immature” and “undesirable,” especially given that they are responsible for the aircraft and its passengers’ safety.
“It was completely baffling behavior. “All pilots are aware of the hazards of spilled liquids in the cockpit,” he said, adding that most company policies and aviation regulations forbid placing any foods or liquids on the central pedestal console.
Spilling piping hot drinks on it could cause technical equipment to overheat or cause the system to shut down.
