Russia’s Supreme Court has upheld the legality of a ban on international flights for pilots over 65, rejecting a lawsuit by Aeroflot employee Viktor Keangeli, RAPSI reports.
Keangeli, who turned 65 this year, was suspended from flying on international flights, although he continued to perform co-pilot duties on domestic flights. He believes that the airline’s actions are a form of age discrimination, violating his constitutional rights as well as articles of the Russian Labour Code. According to Victor Keangeli, he has all the necessary certificates and medical reports allowing him to fly and that the ban limits his earnings as international flights are paid higher.
The Ministry of Transport, the defendant in the case, insists that the contested rule is in line with ICAO international norms and Russian law, primarily prioritising the safety of air travel. The agency also pointed out that Article 252 of the Russian Labour Code allows for the establishment of specific working conditions depending on the nature of the work and psychophysiological characteristics, which justifies restrictions for older pilots.
The Supreme Court agreed with the arguments of the Ministry of Transport and rejected Keangeli’s claim, considering that the restriction for pilots over 65 is not discrimination, but serves to ensure flight safety.
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