Virgin Atlantic pilot’s disturbing secret leads to safety concerns

A Virgin Atlantic pilot was fired on the spot after airline bosses found out she was moonlighting and working for another airline on her days off. 

First Officer Danica Theuma flew for Virgin, which operates a strictly long haul route network. 

Unbeknownst to the company, she was also piloting planes for KM Malta Airlines which flies to 17 destinations around Europe. 

The maximum flying time for a commercial pilot is 100 hours of flight time in any month, or 900 hours per calendar year, according to Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority. 

While worldwide standards are similar, the restrictions used in Europe and the UK are amongst the strictest in the world to ensure pilots do not become significantly fatigued with obligatory rest periods to ensure they are able to concentrate properly.

But Theuma, in a major breach of air safety and professionalism, appeared to put the safety of her passengers on both airlines at risk – opting instead to work extra flights on days when each airline believed she would have been resting and on a day off. 

Theuma was sacked immediately by Virgin Atlantic after they found out about her dual employment only by chance. 

Meanwhile, Malta’s new state-funded air carrier, KM Malta Airlines, initially suspended her but has since reinstated her to the cockpit, allowing her to continue to fly for the airline.

A veteran pilot told The Shift  every pilot at KM Malta Airlines is aware of the incident with many aghast that the flag carrier decided to keep her on the books.

Incredibly, Theuma was able to juggle her schedule between both airlines that would see her making a lengthy three-and-a-half hour commute from Malta back to London Heathrow, before embarking on another overseas trip with Virgin.

Virgin’s long-haul route network means the average flight times are around 10 hours. 

It is believed Theuma had been doing double duty at both airlines since at least December 2023, until she was caught in May.

Fatigue has been proven to be a contributory factor in a large number of air accidents and incidents over the year, but its consequences for aviation safety are often underestimated. 

According to a Time Magazine study, 18 hours without sleep can have the same impact on the human body as severely as heavy drinking. 

A recent report by the European Cockpit Association also noted how adequate sleep and rest are essential to allow the body to recharge. 

‘Sleep deprivation can cause confusion, disorientation and hallucinations, which are not welcomed in a cockpit or in a flight safety programme,’ the ECA wrote.

‘Indeed, as sleep deprivation increases, the probability of error increases and safety is compromised. A fatigued person often cannot diagnose a problem and make a decision as to how to rectify it.’ 

Virgin Atlantic told DailyMail.com that Theuma had been training with the airline but that their contract was terminated during their training period.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said, “The safety and security of our customers and our crew is always our top priority. Whilst we are unable to share full details of cases, we can confirm that the individual’s contract was terminated during their training period as they didn’t meet the high standards we require.

‘During their training period, we were unaware that the individual was employed elsewhere.’

No comment has been made by KM Malta Airlines or the pilots union, ALPA, despite being fully aware of Theuma’s conduct.