A Japanese pilot has been arrested in the UK after apparently being found to be more than nine times over the legal alcohol limit.
The co-pliot had been due to fly on a Japan Airlines service from London Heathrow Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport last Sunday.
However, he was arrested after a breath test indicated he was in breach of UK aviation laws.
Police carried out a blood test following the arrest.
According to BBC, the 42-year-old first officer was found to have 189mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system - whereas the legal limit for pilots is only 20mg.
He has since appeared in court in the UK, where he is reported to have pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol limit.
According to Japanese media, the airline has claimed the co-pilot drank two bottles of wine, three bottles of beer and two cans of beer on the night before the flight.
In a statement, Japan Airlines said: "The company does not condone the individual's actions and takes this violation seriously, as safety remains our utmost priority.
"We will implement immediate actions to prevent any future occurrence and to regain our customer`s trust."
The company added that the London to Tokyo flight was delayed by 69 minutes as a result of the co-pilot's arrest, with the airline apologising to all passengers affected.
In comments quoted by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, the Japanese transport minister has indicated the government will toughen regulations on alcohol consumption by pilots in the wake of the incident.
