CAA probes intoxicated passengers

THE Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is investigating the drunken behaviour of two rugby union players on board an Air Niugini flight from Singapore to Port Moresby on Tuesday morning.
Among other things, it wants to determine why the two passengers were allegedly allowed to consume their liquor on board the aircraft.
The CAA, which commended the crew on their handling of the situation, said unruly behaviour was getting more common and suggested that Air Niugini reviewed its embarkation procedures.
It said passenger safety must be the airline’s top priority.
“The travelling public must know that the safety of passengers is the responsibility of the aircraft pilot-in-command to whom they have entrusted themselves.
“The rules state clearly that the pilot-in-command designated by the operator as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of flight. This is also the International Civil Aviation Standard,” acting CAA director Wilson Sagati said in a statement yesterday.
The two players, who were returning from a Singapore tournament, became intoxicated on board and refused to fasten their seatbelts despite numerous requests by the flight attendants.
The airline’s security manager said there was a scuffle among the players and one person was hurt.
He said one player also ripped off an armrest.
On arrival at the Jackson international airport, security officers detained the two players and later handed them over to police.
The PNG Rugby Union is also investigating and will decide on the disciplinary action when it meets this week.
Union chief Graham Osbourne said on Tuesday that the players were warned before they left to be on their best behaviour.
Mr Sagati also reminded passengers that the pilot of the aircraft was the person in charge and that his orders must be respected and followed.
“The safe conduct of flights can only be guaranteed if their (captain’s) legal authority is fully recognised by all persons, irrespective of their purpose for being on board,” he said.