A “popular” British Airways pilot tragically died on a Caribbean island between flights when he shockingly collapsed outside a luxury hotel.
The unnamed senior first officer, aged 47, suffered a fatal collapse in front of holidaymakers this past Monday after his arrival in St Lucia. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the airline staff community, leaving his colleagues heartbroken and of whom are now being provided with counselling support. British Airways was compelled to cancel the BA2158 flight, which was scheduled to leave for London Gatwick later in the week from the island.
“This tragedy has left British Airways staff stunned and deeply upset,” and insider told the Sun. They continued, detailing the high regard in which the officer was held: “The senior first officer was very popular and his death was completely out of the blue. He was the life and soul; a really popular guy and just 47-years-old old. He collapsed suddenly in a public area.”
The source added, speaking on the aftermath: “It’s so sad this has happened and everyone has been hit for six. Bosses have handled the tragedy in an incredibly sensitive way and staff can speak to a trained counsellor if it helps them,” reports the Mirror.
(Image: Getty Images)
British Airways officials are working closely with officials in St Lucia and maintaining contact with the bereaved pilot’s family. The airline issued a statement saying: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, passengers on a British Airways flight were in for a gruelling nine-hour jaunt to absolutely nowhere earlier this month when their aircraft, mid-Atlantic, took an unexpected return trip due to technical troubles. The Boeing 777, capable of hauling more than 300 people, was flying from London to San Jose, Costa Rica, on a Tuesday morning but failed to finish its voyage.
(Image: Getty Images)
Per Flightradar24, the jet set off a bit late, around 30 minutes off the mark and, about five hours into the journey, it made an abrupt U-turn over the Atlantic Ocean, returning to Europe. This specific run of the usual 10-hour, 5,431-mile trek ended with a touchdown at Gatwick Airport roughly nine hours post-takeoff. BA offered an apology: “We’re sorry for the delay in our customers’ travel plans after their aircraft experienced a minor technical issue.”
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