A Pilot of Delta Airlines has been sentenced to 10 months in jail. The 63-year-old pilot, Lawrence Russell Junior, who was on duty at Edinburgh Airport in Scotland, was found under the influence of alcohol on duty. According to the court announcement, this incident occurred on June 16, 2023. On that day, the pilot was supposed to fly from Edinburgh to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
When his blood was tested, it was found that the level of alcohol exceeded the limit set by the law. When he reached the airport, he had two bottles of whiskey in his bag. One of the bottles was only half full. The flight had to be canceled due to the pilot being under the influence of alcohol. Russell also lost his job. Delta Airlines spokespersons have stated that the pilot was dismissed for being vigilant about this incident throughout the duration.
After this incident, the company apologized to the affected passengers. In court, when asked if he had received two bottles of whiskey in his bag and if he had received half a bottle of whiskey, the pilot admitted that he had consumed whiskey the previous night. He also admitted to failing the breath test when he came to work in the morning.