Easyjet offer mental health support to pilot

EasyJet have stood down one of its pilots amid reports they were in poor mental health.

"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is the airline's highest priority," an EasyJet spokesperson said.

"We offer support through an employee assistance programme, pilot peer support programme and we have a full occupational health provision across our UK and European network."

The pilot had told colleagues they were feeling suicidal in phone messages, British media reported.  EasyJet said they were investigating.

"We always take steps to ensure that EasyJet’s pilots are fully fit to operate," the spokesperson added.

"All pilots are licensed under aviation regulators and as part of this are subject to extensive regular medical assessments which include mental health assessments."

Mental health and wellbeing in aviation has been heavily discussed of late. Several presentations on peer-to-peer support took place at a  wellbeing conference at the Royal Aeronautical Society recently.