Airlines

An airline founder is facing a fine after letting an influencer into cockpit

An airline founder and pilot might be hit with a significant penalty for allowing an Australian YouTube influencer into the cockpit during a flight. The end of April saw the debut flight of Starlux Airlines between Taipei and Los Angeles, and aviation influencer Sam Chui was excited to travel first class.

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The YouTube influencer, who has more than three million subscribers, was on the trip and posted several pictures of his experience on Facebook and Twitter. Aviation authorities paid attention to one image in particular, though.

According to reports, Starlux Airlines‘ inaugural flight from Taipei to Los Angeles was piloted by the company’s chairman and pilot, Chang Kuo-Wei. Kuo-we did not seek permission from the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) before inviting internet influencer Sam Chui to take a picture in the cockpit.

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The nation’s Civil Aeronautics Administration is looking into the issue, and it has allegedly called Starlux’s head of flight operations for an explanation. Lin Kuo-shian, the organization’s director-general, is leading the investigation.

According to a report, Mr. Kuo-wei may be subject to a fine of about NT$60,000 (£1,552) if officials determine that he broke the rules. A fine of roughly £16,000 may be assessed for a second infraction.

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Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.