October 17, 2000, British Airways plans to introduce a random alcohol and drug testing program, the first to be introduced by a major European airline, following allegations that some staff broke rules on drinking alcohol before flights. British Airways will seek to introduce the program early next year. A working group has been set up to develop a program and the trade unions are being invited to participate in that group.

Initial discussions have taken place with both UK Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions. David Hyde, Director of Safety, said: "Safety is paramount in British Airways. We have very clear policies on alcohol and drugs use which we believe the vast majority of our staff adhere to rigidly. "We have been looking for some time at the successful implementation of random testing in other industries, in particular the railway and chemical sectors. We believe it is the right way forward for us."