IT was an embarrassing moment for passengers aboard a Delhi-Kolkata SpiceJet flight last month after an off-duty pilot and a flight attendant were caught engaging in a public display of affection in the air.
The flight attendant was in uniform and on duty while the pilot (first officer) boarded the aircraft as an additional crew member. Both took adjacent seats on the flight at the rear end of the aircraft.
However, a passenger caught them engaging in indecent activities and behaving inappropriately in public and lodged a complaint with the airline. SpiceJet conducted an internal enquiry and upon confirmation, terminated both the employees with immediate effect.
While all passengers were seated facing the front of the aircraft, the ones using the lavatories at the rear end apparently noticed the two engaging in indecent activities.
“The complaint said the flight attendant and a passenger behaved inappropriately and indecently on board the flight. An internal inquiry showed the passenger engaged in indecent conduct was a first officer pilot. Both crew members were questioned and thereafter terminated from service,” according to a report by the Times of India quoting a source.
In wake of the incident, the airline later released a statement on flight safety case study, called ‘Unprofessional behaviour at workplace’ to send out across a strong message to its crew members. “Uncultured practice at workplace driven by individual attitude may adversely affect the reputation of the company (airline), demoralise co-workers and there could also be serious safety lapses and consequences… Employees shall always maintain decorum and professionalism at the workplace,” the SpiceJet statement said.
Justifying the termination, the airline further said that the cabin crew and first officer failed to maintain professionalism at the workplace and set their personal life separate from their professional one, “which is unacceptable”.