This is off the PPRUNE site:

FOR RELEASE: Saturday, February 11, 2006




STATEMENT FROM AMERICAN AIRLINES REGARDING ARREST OF CREW MEMBER AT MANCHESTERAIRPORT


American Airlines has confirmed that a crew member for today’s (February 11, 2006) Manchester-Chicago scheduled service was arrested at a security checkpoint by Police at Manchester Airport following suspicions that he was under the influence of alcohol.

The crew member was a relief First Officer who on American Airlines’ flights provides back-up for the two pilots (Captain and First Officer) on sectors of over eight hours duration. He was taken into the custody of Manchester Police and is due to appear in court on Tuesday. An investigation into the circumstances of this event was immediately launched by the airline and no further details of the incident will be released until this is completed.

The flight departed from Manchester at 11:25 a.m. local time with a delay of fifty five minutes and it is planned to make an intermediate technical stop in New York to supplement the original crew. The flight’s arrival into Chicago will be delayed until approximately 3:49 p.m. local time, some two hours and fifty minutes late. American Airlines Flight 55 is operated by a Boeing 767-300 and today carried198 passengers and eleven flight crew.

American Airlines has apologised to all passengers for the inconvenience caused and has made alternative arrangements for those with connecting flights.

Our primary concern is for the safety and comfort of our passengers and crews. American Airlines has strict policies on alcohol and substance abuse and holds its employees to the highest standards. Employees at all levels of the company are not allowed to be on duty whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol and regular screening is carried out. Support is available for those employees who seek help for problems with substance abuse.

We hope that this isolated incident is not allowed to detract from the professionalism of American Airlines employees and the tens of thousands of professional aircrew worldwide.

Here's the BBC story:

Pilot arrested amid alcohol fears

The pilot was due to fly from Manchester to Chicago
A pilot was arrested on suspicion of being drunk shortly before his flight from Manchester Airport to Chicago was due to take off.
American Airlines said the 45-year-old pilot, from Ohio, had been arrested as he reported for duty at Manchester Airport on Saturday morning.

He was released on bail pending the results of tests and is to report to Greater Manchester Police on Tuesday.

The airline has begun an internal investigation into the arrest.

The flight left Manchester after a 55 minute delay, at 1125 GMT.

It was due to stop in New York to supplement the original crew.

American Airlines has strict policies on alcohol and substance abuse

Airline statement
The Boeing 767-300 was carrying 198 passengers and 11 crew.

The airline said in a statement: "An investigation into the circumstances of this event was immediately launched by the airline.

"American Airlines has apologised to all passengers for the inconvenience caused and has made alternative arrangements for those with connecting flights.

"Our primary concern is for the safety and comfort of our passengers and crews.

"American Airlines has strict policies on alcohol and substance abuse and holds its employees to the highest standards.

"Employees at all levels of the company are not allowed to be on duty whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol and regular screening is carried out."