Chicago-bound American Airlines pilot fails breath test in London

LONDON -- An American Airlines pilot who was supposed to operate a flight with 204 passengers to Chicago, failed a breath test at London's Heathrow airport, the airline said Thursday.

Fort Worth, Texas-based American said the pilot was given the test Wednesday after airport security staff alerted police.

The airline declined to name the pilot. The Chicago-bound flight was delayed while a replacement was found and the plane eventually took off.

"The company has strict policies on alcohol and substance abuse and holds its employees to the highest standards," the airline's London office said. "Employees at all levels of the company are not allowed to be on duty whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol and regular screening is carried out."