The British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa) has expressed its concern at the Air Accident Investigations Bureau's preliminary examination of the fatal crash of a Super Puma craft in the North Sea at the beginning of April.

Due to put an emergency motion before the Scottish Trades Union Congress, the group has called for all models to remain grounded while the views of safety experts and those flying the craft are heard in an independent symposium.

"What we need to do is to throw a spotlight on the oil and gas industry, who with one hand are squeezing suppliers to make huge cost reductions whilst ... urging more investment in safety," lamented Jim McAuslen, general secretary of Balpa.

The importance of safety and training in the UK offshore sector had previously been brought into sharp relief after a Super Puma craft ditched in the North Sea in February.

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