Air China suspends 'smoking' pilot crew

An Air China pilot crew has been suspended after the actions of a co-pilot - who was believed to be smoking - caused a plane to lose cabin pressure and drop seven kilometers before stabilizing.

Air China said in a statement on Friday that it has decided to "suspend pilot qualifications for the pilot crew responsible, and terminate their labor contracts in accordance with law".

The airline has also "seriously dealt" with related managerial staffs who are responsible for the incident, and advised the Civil Aviation Administration of China to withdraw the pilot crew's flight licenses after a full investigation is done.