Air Canada pilot accused of flying without correct licence

A former Air Canada pilot has been accused of flying thousands of passengers on commercial flights without the required licence for the position, officials say.

Air Canada said the pilot flew with a valid licence, but allegedly failed to obtain an airline transport pilot permit, a credential required after his promotion to captain and earned through a series of written examinations.

"Immediately upon Air Canada's discovery of this, the individual was removed from active duty, and the company voluntarily reported the matter to Transport Canada," the company said.

The airline said passenger safety was never at risk, noting that all pilots undergo competency training every six months.

In its statement, Air Canda said it "takes this matter with utmost seriousness", adding that it completed an audit of its pilots and found no other issues with non-compliance.

The pilot was arrested on fraud-related charges and later released pending further proceedings, ABC News reported, citing officials.

The BBC has contacted Air Canada for comment.

Canadian officials and the airline have not named the pilot or disclosed the exact charges he faces.