Pilot's amorous antics on long haul flight probed

A Qantas pilot is being investigated over a "mile-high" scandal with a female passenger.

Passengers in the first class section of QF32 from London to Sydney were stunned at the off-duty pilot's amorous antics with the woman, the Herald Sun reported.

The newspaper said he was spotted sitting on her lap during the flight in the premium section of the Qantas A380 jet before things became quite steamy. The seat has privacy walls and reclines to become a bed. The pilot was not in uniform at the time.

Sources told the Herald Sun that the man was scolded twice by crew as passengers became annoyed at the public display. After a flood of complaints, he shifted to economy.

Qantas said an inquiry was underway that could cost the pilot his A$240,000 ($315,500)-a-year job.

The female passenger left the flight in Singapore and the pilot returned to first-class. The newspaper said it was unclear whether the pilot knew the woman before boarding the flight, or if he was intoxicated. The pilot stayed on the flight, which landed in Australia on Friday night.

A Qantas spokeswoman confirmed there was an incident.

"The matter is being investigated internally in line with Qantas policy," the spokeswoman said. "Interaction of that nature is something that wouldn't be sanctioned."

Australian and International Pilots Association vice-president Captain Richard Woodward said he was gathering details.

"The rights of this member, like any other, will be defended by AIPA should the need arise."

In 2007 actor Ralph Fiennes made headlines for a mile-high rendezvous with former Qantas hostess Lisa Robertson.