The British Airline Pilots Association has dismissed media reports that Flybe pilots are refusing to fly the carrier’s BAe 146 aircraft because of concerns about toxins in the cabin air.
But an official at the Transport and General Workers Union, which represents cabin crew, confirmed there is “deep unease” among its members at Flybe.
A BBC report at the weekend quoted one member of Flybe cabin crew as saying “I will not be back on the 146 again.”
A provisional report for the Department for Transport by the Committee on Toxicity earlier this year recommended a more extensive study of potential poisons leaking into the cabin air aboard BAe 146s.
The concerns follow a number of reports of illness among crew and an incident in which two stewardesses reportedly collapsed. The Department for Transport said the study would commence soon.
A group of former pilots who say ill health forced them to stop flying have set up a group called the Aerotoxic Alliance to publicise concerns about toxins aboard the BAe 146. It is suggested the poisons leak into the air supply from engine oil.
Flybe is the biggest regional carrier in Europe following its takeover of British Airways’ former regional operation BAConnect earlier this year. It flies 11 BAe 146s, but plans to replace them all by next year.
A spokesman for the DfT pointed out the Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for air safety, has not grounded any aircraft.