Overview
- The unnamed pilot allegedly used forged certificates to serve as captain for Lithuanian wet‑lease carrier Avion Express after previously working only as a first officer with Garuda Indonesia.
- Avion Express confirmed the individual’s employment and said it launched an internal investigation that is being coordinated with authorities in several countries.
- The company says there is currently no conclusive proof of document falsification, though the pilot has been removed from operations during the review.
- Reports indicate the pilot flew Avion Express services on behalf of Western European airlines, including Eurowings, which says it is awaiting clarification and has referred the matter to its safety experts.
- The case has intensified scrutiny of cross‑border credential verification and oversight in wet‑lease arrangements, where providers supply aircraft and crews to partner airlines.