A pilot hired by Avion Express (X9) used forged documents to fly as a captain across Europe, operating commercial flights for partner airlines such as Eurowings (EW) and departing from major hubs including Frankfurt (FRA). The individual also previously served as a first officer for Garuda Indonesia (GA).
The false captain credentials allowed him to bypass simulator checks and experience requirements for months before a routine audit uncovered the fraud.
How a Fake Pilot Operates Commercial Flights
An internal probe revealed that the pilot, identified as LAB, never met the qualifications required to hold the rank of captain. He reportedly forged documents after working only as a co-pilot for Garuda Indonesia (GA).
The altered records enabled him to gain captain approval at Avion Express (X9), a wet-lease operator that supplies aircraft and crews to airlines across Europe.
Because wet-lease crews operate under the branding and schedules of partner airlines, LAB ended up flying passengers on behalf of several carriers without detection.
His forged credentials slipped through checks for months, raising concerns about document validation processes across the region. The fraud came to light only when his paperwork underwent a scheduled review, long after he had completed multiple rotations.
Official Remarks
Avion Express confirmed the case and stated that the individual is no longer part of the company. The airline launched an internal investigation immediately after receiving unverified information about his background. It reiterated that all hiring processes follow aviation regulations and emphasized its focus on safety and compliance.
Eurowings (EW) acknowledged that the pilot operated flights for them while assigned through Avion Express. The German carrier noted that its safety experts are evaluating the situation, although no further details have been released.
Avion Express, based in Vilnius (VNO), specializes in ACMI and wet-lease operations for airlines worldwide. Founded in 2005, the company operates primarily Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Its services are frequently used during peak travel periods, and it forms part of the Avia Solutions Group.
Similar Incidents
Florida Man’s Fake Pilot and Attendant Document
A federal jury found Florida resident Tiron Alexander guilty of impersonating an airline crew to access free travel, including flights on Spirit Airlines (NK) and connections through airports such as Hong Kong (HKG).
He used fake pilot and flight attendant identities across multiple airlines, bypassing verification systems meant only for authorised crew.
Investigators revealed that Alexander exploited Spirit Airlines’ (NK) internal employee portal to secure nonrev travel on more than 120 flights. He used falsified information, including dates of hire, airline names, and badge numbers tied to actual employees.
Evidence presented in court showed that Alexander booked 34 flights directly through the Spirit Airlines crew site between 2018 and 2024. The platform allowed pilots and flight attendants to list for travel across partner airlines, provided they submitted their employer, hire date, and crew badge details.
Alexander cycled through identities from seven airlines and created about 30 fake sets of credentials to pass through these verification steps.
He also posed as a flight attendant on three additional carriers, allowing him to book well over 100 flights without paying. Prosecutors confirmed he faces severe penalties, including potential federal prison time and financial charges linked to wire fraud and identity theft.
Singapore Case Involving Fake Co-Pilot Status
A 19-year-old in Hong Kong claimed to be a Singapore Airlines (SQ) co-pilot, using a fabricated ID to build credibility online and deceive more than 50 people.
He misused the false status to avoid bills, borrow money, and impress minors. His actions drew attention after a 15-year-old reported him for assault during a trip to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
United Airlines Attendant Living Under a Stolen Identity
A long-serving United Airlines (UA) flight attendant was discovered to have lived under a stolen identity for 23 years. Ricardo Cesar Guedes, born in Brazil, adopted the identity of William Ericson Ladd, a deceased American child.
He obtained a U.S. passport, passed crew security checks, and worked undetected until a fraud alert surfaced during a 2020 passport renewal. Agents apprehended him at the Known Crewmember checkpoint in Houston.
Pakistan Airlines License Fraud
A probe following a Pakistan International Airlines (PK) crash from Lahore to Karachi revealed that more than 30 percent of Pakistani pilots held questionable or fake licenses.
Investigators discovered that 262 pilots had paid surrogates to sit for mandatory exams, prompting widespread suspensions across multiple carriers.
South African Airways Credential Forgery
South African Airways (SA) pilot William Chandler operated Airbus A340 long-haul flights for over 20 years using a forged Airline Transport Pilot License.
Although he maintained flight proficiency through regular checks, his fraud came to light after a maneuvering incident on a Johannesburg (JNB) to Frankfurt (FRA) flight. He resigned before disciplinary action, and the airline pursued legal and financial claims against him.
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