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‘We didn’t have to warn you of co-pilot’s depression’

The parent company of Germanwings airline has denied it should have told authorities about Andreas Lubitz’ mental illness.

Lufthansa said the co-pilot, who crashed his aeroplane into the French Alps killing all 150 people on board, had qualified before strict new aviation rules.

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Because Mr Lubitz qualified to fly in 2012, European medical reporting rules did not apply to him, the airline has claimed.

“A general and separate duty to refer to the [relevant German authority] did not therefore arise as a result of the change in the legal position,” a Lufthansa spokesperson told Reuters.

Before receiving his licence, the co-pilot told the airline he had overcome a bout of severe depression.

Germanwings has confirmed it did not notify aviation authorities of this illness.

European pilots suffering mental illness must now be referred to aviation authorities, who may revoke the the pilot’s ability to fly.

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