BA alcohol-case pilots resign

Two British Airways pilots who were reportedly under the influence of alcohol just before they were about to take off, have resigned. The airline this morning confirmed that the two pilots, who were taken off a flight last week after failing a breath test, have both offered their resignation and that it has been accepted. According to a report in the Daily Express, both men were removed from the Airbus A-320, with First Officer David Ryan reportedly five times over the Norwegian drink-drive limit. Now Ryan, 26, and Captain William McAuliffe, 50, have quit their positions before the results of blood tests were passed to BA. The Express reports that by resigning, the two men have protected their BA pensions and their employment records. Purser Michelle Giannandrea, 48, who was also alleged to have been over the limit, is still facing an inquiry.