LONDON, March 26 (Reuters) - British low-cost airlineeasyJet said it will from Friday require two crewmembers to be in the cockpit at all times, following theGermanwings crash earlier this week.
A French prosecutor on Thursday said the 28 year oldco-pilot of Germanwings flight 4U9525 had locked himself in thecockpit and flew it into the French Alps, killing all 150 onboard.
"This decision has been taken in consultation with the CivilAviation Authority," easyJet said in a statement. "The safetyand security of its passengers and crew is the airline's highestpriority."
Earlier on Thursday, Norwegian Air Shuttle announced similar plans, as did Air Canada.
Lufthansa, the owner of Germanwings, said at apress conference earlier it had no immediate plans to change itspolicy.
Under European regulations, pilots may leave the cockpittemporarily at certain times and under certain circumstances,leaving the other pilot alone. U.S. Carriers typically require amember of the cabin crew to stand in the cockpit while one pilothas gone. (Reporting by Sarah Young; Writing by Victoria Bryan; Editingby David Holmes)
easyJet (EZJ)